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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Amid Bohol resort controversy, Cua urges LGUs to form, strictly enforce land use plans

Amid Bohol resort controversy, Cua urges LGUs to form, strictly enforce land use plans

Published Mar 23, 2024 08:49 am
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(Photo courtesy of Dax Cua Facebook page)

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dakila “Dax’’ Cua called on the  country’s local government units (LGUs) to craft and implement comprehensive land use regulations.

In doing so, Cua stated that this would help prevent instances similar to the ongoing Chocolate Hills controversy.

“We are mandated by the Local Government Code, among other laws, to create our respective CLUPs (Compliance of Local Government Units) and implement this through the zoning ordinance. 

"Kung updated ang mga CLUP natin at maayos na ipinatutupad, maiiwasan natin ang mga isyu ng pagtatayo ng mga ilegal na istruktura lalo na sa mga protected areas (If our CLUP is updated and well implemented, issues on illegal structure construction especially in protected areas will be avoided),’’ Cua said.

Earlier this month, the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol caused an uproar as a video of the vacation spot was posted on social media, with many questioning how the resort was allowed to operate in a protected area.

“The resort has since been closed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), while the municipal government of Sagbayan revoked Captain’s Peak’s business permit,’’ ULAP noted.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the Ombudsman have formed separate teams to investigate the issue.

Cua emphasized the value of the CLUP, which he noted is a key to protecting critical resources such as upland, coastal, ancestral domain, biodiversity areas, heritage and urban greening. 

“The CLUP, and the zoning ordinance, serves as a guide for all on which areas can be used for specific purposes. Kaya kung halimbawa may maga-apply ng business or building permit sa mga critical area, kukunsultahin lang natin ang CLUP at makikita na agad kung bawal ba o hindi (If for example, somebody applies for a business or building permit in critical areas, we just have to consult the CLUP to immediately see if this is legal or not),’’ Cua noted.

The ULAP chief pointed out that the CLUP is crucial in balancing the many interests and contexts in our respective jurisdictions.

Last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared Bohol Island as the country’s first Global Geopark.

“Geoparks are defined as “single, unified geographical areas” where sites and landscapes have international geological significance,’’ ULAP explained.

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