THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism-Central Visayas (DoT-7) again called on resorts in Panglao, Bohol to comply with environmental rules as the government implements a crackdown on violators. DoT Regional Director Shalimar H. Tamano particularly reminded resorts on the island, home of the new ‘green’ international airport of the province, to adhere to easement requirements. “Once again, we would like to remind our concerned stakeholders to adhere to the environmental requirements, particularly the compliance of valid wastewater discharge permit and observance of the easement within the shorelines,” Ms. Tamano said in an advisory. This came following the Dec. 10 letter of Panglao Mayor Leonila P. Montero, telling tourism stakeholders that the 20-meter easement law and the additional 10 meters easement ordinance must be followed; and water quality violations must be corrected. In April this year, Panglao’s local government received a marching order from President Rodrigo R. Duterte, through Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, to address environmental violations on the popular island destination. Ms. Montero said violators will not be allowed to renew their business permits for 2019 if they do not comply with the order. “Without a business permit for 2019, one cannot do any business for 2019. The situation is very urgent and demands serious action for all of us, as stakeholders,” she said. — The Freeman
