Siargao Island, located in Surigao del Norte, is a tropical paradise that attracts nature-loving tourists. However, beneath its idyllic surface lies a troubling reality: the majority of its commercial and tourism-related establishments are operating without the necessary environmental compliance certificate (ECC). This puts Siargao Island at risk of facing the same fate as Boracay Island, which was temporarily shut down in 2018 due to widespread violations of environmental laws by tourism establishments.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), out of the 1,108 tourism-related establishments on Siargao Island, only 17 percent have secured an ECC. The ECC is a requirement for projects and businesses that have a significant impact on the environment, such as hotels and resorts. By operating without an ECC, 83 percent of the establishments on Siargao Island are in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1586, which aims to ensure that economic activities are conducted in harmony with environmental protection.
The DENR has issued notices of violation to approximately 200 establishments in Siargao for operating without an ECC, demanding that they obtain one. Fortunately, there is still hope for the thriving Siargao tourism community to rectify this situation. The DENR is working to assist these enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, in retrofitting their operations to meet the necessary standards for obtaining an ECC. Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has expressed the commitment to provide local government units (LGUs) and the communities they serve with the tools and support needed to implement protection programs, including coastal rehabilitation.
To make compliance with environmental requirements more convenient, the DENR has launched the “DENR Services on Wheels,” a facility that accepts and processes online applications for an ECC, tenurial instrument requests or applications, and titles from business operators and owners. This innovative approach aims to simplify the process and make it easier for Siargao establishments to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones acknowledges that many resort owners are willing to comply but need guidance on what steps to take. The Services on Wheels initiative seeks to address these needs.
However, it is not enough for business owners to merely state their intentions to comply. Action must be taken, considering that many of these establishments have previously been called out for violating environmental laws. In fact, the DENR has discovered that some establishments have been using fake ECCs to circumvent the stringent requirements. It is essential for the LGUs and the DENR to hold these violators accountable and impose strict penalties, such as heavy fines and the withholding of their license to operate.
Additionally, beyond enforcement efforts, the DENR and the concerned LGUs should launch an intensive information campaign to emphasize the importance of preserving the beauty and sustainability of Siargao. Resort owners and businesses must understand and embrace their role as stewards of this magnificent island. Neglecting environmental laws and regulations could ultimately lead to irreversible environmental destruction, which would harm not only the ecosystem but also the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism.
Siargao has been recognized as the best island in Asia for the Condé Naste Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2021. It is crucial to protect and conserve its pristine natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
