Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu is scheduled to visit Bohol next week to inspect establishments’ compliance with environmental laws particularly in the resort town of Panglao amid the national government’s crackdown on environmental violators.
This was announced on Tuesday by Dumaluan Beach Resort owner and Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PICCI) vice president Doloreich Dumaluan who said that Cimatu will arrive in Bohol on Monday.
According to Dumaluan, the PICCI was informed of Cimatu’s arrival and has already discussed the impending inspection during a recent meeting.
Cimatu’s arrival was also confirmed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Eusalem Quiwag.
However, Quiwag did not disclose other details on Cimatu’s arrival including the DENR secretary’s itinerary during his stay in the province.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia last month said that he expects resort owners to have already complied with environmental policies when inspections are made by authorities.
“Kanang warning…should be enough,” Pernia said. “Kinahanglan mo-action na sila diha. Kinahanglan inig anha namo diha nasunod na tong mga requirements, nalimpyo na ang mga hugaw dinha.”
According to Pernia’s previous statement, he will accompany Cimatu during the inspection possibly together with Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.
The inspection was set in motion after authorities received reports on violations against environmental laws by resort owners in Panglao with the “permissiveness of local officials,” said Pernia.
“Kahibaw ka nga ang Presidente karon is serious. Gusto niya action agad,” he added. (R. Tutas)