Philippines Orders Removal of Illegal Structures in Chocolate Hills to Preserve Natural Heritage

MANILA – The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has mandated the dismantling of all unauthorized constructions within the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, a renowned natural landmark designated as a protected area. Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga announced the directive following an aerial review conducted alongside Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, spotlighting the urgency to preserve the integrity of this iconic site.

According to Philippines News Agency, the inspection revealed not only the previously spotlighted Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, which drew public ire on social media, but also other illicit structures infringing upon the protected landscape. When queried about the necessity for demolition of these constructions, Loyzaga affirmed the need for a ‘mitigation approach’ to address such violations, outlining a strategy that prioritizes avoidance of disturbance, minimization of impact, remediation of damages, or, failing those, compensation for the inflicted harm.

The DENR, in collaboration with Abalos and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, is exploring actions to safeguard the area, emphasizing the balance between economic utilization and conservation. A joint statement from the DENR, DILG, and DOT stressed the critical role of responsible development in maintaining the nation’s natural resources for future generations, asserting, “The preservation of our natural heritage is paramount.”

Loyzaga highlighted additional findings from their survey, including resorts that have altered parts of the Chocolate Hills to accommodate construction, demonstrating a broader issue of compliance within the protected zone. The Secretary mentioned Sagbayan Peak as a specific instance where the natural form of a hill was modified to install a concrete platform, signaling a comprehensive investigation into such activities.

The Chocolate Hills, composed of 1,776 similarly shaped mounds spread across the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan, were declared a protected area under Proclamation No. 1037 by late President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997. Additionally, the site has received recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a world heritage site, underlining its global significance and the imperative for its preservation.