Cimatu inspects establishments along busy Panglao Beach

TAGBILARAN CITY— Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu on Tuesday inspected several establishments along a busy stretch of a beach in Panglao.

Cimatu was with National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto Pernia and officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the provincial and local government units during the inspection.

The inspection centered on the compliance of the establishments on the 20-meter easement zone as provided by law.

Cimatu said the property owners readily admitted the violations and they offered to correct them voluntarily.

The DENR secretary said that compliance will likely be completed within three months.

Meanwhile, Panglao Mayor Pedro Fuertes said his administration has the political will to implement the national law and clear the easement zone of the permanent structures especially at the Alona Beach area of barangay Tawala.

Cimatu arrived in Bohol on Monday to attend the anniversary of the 47th Infantry Battalion(IB) based in Barangay Macaas, Tubigon town. He was formerly the commanding officer of the unit when it was based in Negros Occidental.

He also attended several environmental activities in Bohol before attending the meeting of the Panglao Dauis and Tagbilaran Executive Council (PaDTEC) in Tagbilaran late Monday afternoon.

He suggested that there should be a master plan for Panglao to avert a repeat of the Boracay situation.