Going choco-loco
We went all hysterical for a bit last week, when the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol were seemingly defaced by a resort. The development was located in the town of Sagbayan, a bit far from where the tourist viewing deck was situated. What's funny though is the fact the story was already told in three parts in this newspaper. All the details of the issue were complete, coupled with photos. Ms. Caecent Magsumbol and Mr. Aldo Banaynal did an excellent job in raising the issue, but the audience engagement was not enough to bring it to national consciousness.
It took a vlogger, who had the intention of promoting the venue, to call the attention of the whole country. His video, which featured new structures such as a slide and rooms to stay in, quickly angered the internet. I guess that's how it is now: local journalism is often overrun by online content.
Because of the virality of the video, it instantly became a hit for national platforms. Senators were quick to call for a probe into the incident while the local government unit and the manager of the resort were also fussing over what went wrong. Accordingly, the resort's construction had the approval of the Protected Area Management Board which is directly under the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. DENR said they did not issue an Environmental Compliance Certificate. However, the LGU gave a permit for its operation. It's really confusing to start pointing fingers now.
Many are lobbying for the destruction of the resort as it is an eyesore to the beauty of this declared UNESCO global geopark. The internet quickly made memes of how the ₱200 bill should be changed. It is a satirical reflection of the inefficient system our government agencies have, especially those that concern areas like these.
It's better late than never, I guess. The Department of Interior and Local Government is now launching its own probe into the incident. Someone should be held accountable for the incident. I'm sure it took one signature to start the excavation and the whole construction process. Whoever that person is and the office that he or she represents, I hope they are able to sleep well with all this hullabaloo.
From today moving forward, it is apt that the provincial government intervene in the protection of the geopark. There should be a thorough review of all the titled lots inside the protected area. UNESCO and its attached agencies should also legally look into the matter. It is useless to have a protected area when there are private individuals involved. Of course, they would always put their agenda first. The bottom line of this issue is the need to generate funds.
I am for the returning of the Chocolate Hills to its original state. This is the only beautiful natural legacy that the Central Visayas region can leave to its next generation. We must set a good example to the future leaders that we pay attention to preserving our environmental gems.