DENR, NEDA & DILG chiefs set to visit Bohol 

to assess environmental conditions of resorts 

TAGBILARAN CITY, Pebrero 22 (PIA)--Top officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to visit Bohol to assess environmental conditions of resorts in the province and their surroundings. 

After Boracay, resorts in Bohol could be the next target of President Rodrigo Duterte after he was told that the province, especially in Panglao, is teeming with resorts with no septic tanks and proper waste disposal facilities. 

Last month, the town of Panglao made national headlines after its waters, particularly in the Alona area, were found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria. 

The lack of waste water facility was cited as among chief causes of the contamination. 

The issue has drawn the attention of the national government including that of Boholano NEDA director general Ernesto Pernia. 

In an interview over radio station dzRD’s “Inyong Alagad,” Pernia said that he and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu will be visiting Bohol to assess environmental conditions of resorts in the province and their surroundings. 

“Kahibaw ka nga ang Presidente karon is serious. Gusto niya action agad. Gusto namo nga inig anha namo dinha ni Sec. Cimatu and basin apil si Sec. Año, gusto namo nga magmeeting mi sa local government officials and resort owner, at saka wa nay kinahanglan kasab-an pa, i-admonish or i-charge nga local official,” Pernia said. 

He warned erring resort operators that they will be facing shutdown of their establishments if proven to be violating environmental laws. 

Pernia called on the local officials to make true and support their claim of Bohol being an “eco tourism” province. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)