In the serene landscapes of Bohol, a controversy is brewing that threatens not only the natural beauty of the famed Chocolate Hills but also the very heart of its tourism industry.
The construction of a resort and other structures within this cherished tourist attraction has sparked concerns among environmentalists and locals alike, casting a shadow over the future of Bohol’s tourism.
A senate investigation has also been opened regarding this.
According to Hernando Bacosa, an environmental science professor at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, the repercussions of such developments are dire. “It has an effect on tourism as the environment or the ecosystem was damaged or deteriorated,” he explained in a recent radio interview. “The Chocolate Hills are no longer beautiful because of many structures,” he lamented, underscoring the profound impact on the allure of the destination.
The Captain’s Peak Resort, in particular, has drawn significant negative feedback, tarnishing the image of Bohol as a whole. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has pledged to investigate further, amid reports of other unauthorized structures within the protected area. This scrutiny reflects a broader concern for the preservation of natural wonders that define the essence of Bohol’s tourism appeal.
Bacosa draws parallels to past environmental disasters, such as the oil spill in Mindoro, which triggered widespread cancellations and crippled the local tourism industry. “If the natural beauty is altered, it affects tourism,” he emphasized, highlighting the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation.
The construction within the Chocolate Hills not only disrupts the scenic landscape but also poses a threat to the delicate ecosystem. Bacosa expressed concern for the flora and fauna that inhabit this unique habitat, urging urgent action to safeguard its integrity. “The Chocolate Hills should be declared as a no-build zone,” he asserted, advocating for proactive measures to protect the natural heritage of Bohol.
In a broader context, Bacosa stresses the urgency of preserving the Philippines’ dwindling natural resources for future generations. “Many of our ecosystems in the Philippines were already so much degraded or destroyed,” he lamented, urging collective action before it’s too late.
As Bohol grapples with the repercussions of the Chocolate Hills controversy, it stands at a crossroads between unchecked development and environmental stewardship. The choices made today will shape the destiny of Bohol’s tourism industry and the legacy it leaves for generations to come. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of paradise.
