The recent Swimming Competition held as part of the Bohol Provincial Meet last February sparked controversy as it took place at Captain’s Peak Resort, located in the vicinity of the iconic Chocolate Hills. A netizen shared the event on the X platform, which was further disseminated by Gretchen Ho on her X account. The choice of venue raised eyebrows and drew criticism from various sectors of society, prompting concerns about environmental conservation and the protection of natural landmarks.
The Chocolate Hills, with their unique geological formations, have been formed over millions of years, earning recognition as one of the world’s natural wonders. Given their significance, the construction of a resort within the vicinity of this protected area stirred public outrage and led to inquiries from concerned citizens to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Following the public outcry, DENR swiftly responded by issuing a statement emphasizing the protected status of the Chocolate Hills area and the prohibition of structures that could mar its natural beauty. The local government unit (LGU) also came under scrutiny for its role in allowing the construction of the resort and ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Despite these concerns, it appears that both the resort’s existence and the swimming competition held there were sanctioned by the LGU.
In response to mounting pressure and calls for action, the resort has been temporarily closed pending further investigation. Today, DENR, accompanied by other government agencies, conducted an inspection of the site to assess its environmental impact and compliance with regulations. The outcome of this inspection will likely shed light on the extent of environmental degradation caused by the resort’s presence and determine the appropriate course of action moving forward.
Oh wait — 🙈 https://t.co/IWiXLhoGSo
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) March 13, 2024
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic development and environmental conservation. While tourism can bring economic benefits to local communities, it must be managed responsibly to ensure the preservation of natural heritage sites. As stakeholders continue to monitor developments in this case, it remains to be seen who will be held accountable for the violation of environmental regulations and the potential harm inflicted on the Chocolate Hills ecosystem. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving issue.