A viral video of a resort in Sagbayan town, Bohol situated between haycock hills, popularly referred to as Chocolate Hills, drew flak from netizens. 

The video log (vlog) dated March 6, 2024 went viral as netizens mentioned that the construction of the resort in the area in 2023 was already met with criticism. Netizens pointed out that the commercial development is done within a protected area, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and a declared geological park (geopark).

While most of the 1,776 haycock hills are found in Carmen town where the UNESCO marker is also mounted, the hills are spread out in neighboring towns such as Sagbayan and Batuan. 

In an official statement released on March 13, 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it already issued a Temporary Closure Order last September 6, 2023, and a Notice of Violation to the project proponent last January 22, 2024 allegedly for operating without an Environment Compliance Certificate for the project. 

Also on March 13, 2024, Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor issued a Memorandum directing the Bohol Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ariel Rica to create a team to conduct inspection at Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort Bohol for its compliance with the temporary closure order. 

The Chocolate Hills were declared as a national geological monument in the country on June 18, 1988. 

On July 1, 1997 it was declared a protected area through Proclamation No. 1037 issued by then president Fidel Ramos. 

VIRAL SINCE 2023

A Provincial Board (PB) member expressed that with the way the issue has gone viral again, she surmised that nothing has really been done six months after an investigation on the alleged illegal structure nestled at the vicinity of Chocolate Hills.  

Atty. Jamie Aumentado Villamor, chairman of the PB Committee on Environment, said that the Board has already sent a request to DENR to hold the commercial development in abeyance. 

“We already sent our recommendations and request to DENR to hold in abeyance or to stop any construction within the protected area, and also to amend or revise their guidelines on allowing the development of Chocolate Hills being a natural monument. As of now, we have not received any official written comment or feedback from DENR, so with the result of their investigation regarding the resort,” Villamor said.

Villamor stressed that in September 2023, the Bohol DENR-Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) ordered a stop to the construction of structures at the geological park (geopark). 

However, an investigation was launched by her committee based on reports of continued construction of a swimming pool, water slides, and cottages in the resort. 

An investigation was further carried out on another structure in Carmen town allegedly built on one of the 1,776 haycock hills. 

Villamor pointed out that the said construction violated Resolution No. 01, series of 2018, executed by PAMB that manages the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument.

Defacement of Chocolate Hills  or activities that alter, destroy, or remove any hills violate the laws protecting a natural park.

Villamor also clarified that even though certain lots at the avicinity of the geopark  are owned privately, guidelines in tourism development have to be followed by the book. 

The legislator added that pursuing commercial development in said spaces is a threat to the tourism signature of Bohol deemed as the only geopark in the country to make it to the list of global geoparks.

Villamor has maintained coordination with DENR-PAMB to deal with the issue in prudence and with sense of urgency.

GOVERNOR'S STATEMENT

Governor Aris Aumentado, in an official statement, said that they have "already addressed the issue about the resort development at the Chocolate Hills area in September 2023.”

"The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Evnrionemt has conducted an investigation and submitted its report and recommendation. As stewards of the province, we cannot let this go on,” Aumentado said.

The governor stated further that they have asked DENR and PAMB to change its policy to the point that any development within the Chocolate Hills area which is not consistent to Bohol’s UNESCO designation as a global geopark should be disallowed. 

“We wiill elevate this to the Secretary of the DENR for a clear guidance and direction,” Aumentado added. 

NOT ACCREDITED

In an official statement, the Department of Tourism disclosed that the resort development in Chocolate Hills is “not an accredited tourism establishment” under the auspices of its accreditation system, and that there is “no pending application for accreditation for the same.”

DOT, through its regional office in Central Visayas, said that it has been in coordination with the Bohol Provincial Government since August 2023 to express its concerns regarding the matter especially recognizing the necessity of preserving the integrity of the natural resource involved.

DOT further commends the DENR for issuing a Temporary Closure Order and ordering for an inspection to ensure the resort’s compliance to the order.

DOT stated that it “agrees with the Bohol Provincial Government’s position that development within the Chocolate Hills area are not consistent with its long-term sustainability, and should be disallowed.”

Moreover, DOT underscored its "support to the preservation and protection of Chocolate Hills, located within a declared UNESCO Global Geopark and a source of national pride for the Philippines.”

RESORT SPEAKS UP

In a statement released also on March 13, 2024, Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort Bohol said it is committed to engaging with stakeholders and the community to address concerns raised.

Its statement reads in full:

"We at Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort Bohol are deeply saddened by the recent backlash and criticism surrounding our construction activities within the vicinity of the Chocolate Hills. We understand and respect the concerns raised by environmental advocates and members of the community regarding the preservation of this natural wonder.

It is important to clarify that our resort’s construction plans underwent rigorous scrutiny and received the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). We have complied with all environmental regulations and have taken measures to minimize the ecological footprint throughout the development process.

We acknowledge the significance of the Chocolate Hills as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognize our responsibility to safeguard its integrity. We assure the public that our operations are conducted with utmost care and consideration for the environment.

Furthermore, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders, including local communities and environmental organizations, to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions. We are open to constructive dialogue and welcome input from all parties involved.

As we continue with our development endeavors, we remain dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving the natural beauty of Bohol for future generations to enjoy."

(With reports from Leo Udtohan)