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DENR stops operation of Chocolate Hills resort
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against the controversial Chocolate Hills resort operating in a protected area in Bohol province. DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Juan Miguel Cuna said the CDO was issued on March 14, putting Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort under close monitoring.....»»
Samal resort gets notice of violation over hawksbill turtle hatchlings
The Department of Natural Resources-Davao Region (DENR-Davao) has issued a notice of violation to Isla Reta Beach Resort in Samal for the illegal possession of hawksbill turtle hatchlings. The resort violated Republic Act 9147, which prohibits the exploitation of wildlife resources and their habitats. The law strictly prohibits collecting, hunting, or possessing wildlife or their by-products, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. In response to the notice, the resort's owner must release the turtle hatchlings within a day, or face legal action. Despite the resort's intention to care for and release the hatchlings after six months, DENR-Davao found 130 hatchlings inside styro boxes and emphasized the critical importance of immediately releasing them to ensure their survival. The Philippines recognizes five sea turtle species, with hawksbill and leatherback classified as critically endangered. DENR-Davao encourages individuals to report wildlife sightings and pledges to conduct public awareness campaigns for wildlife conservation. Isla Reta Beach Resort faced criticism for unauthorized plans to raise the hatchlings......»»
Councilor urges social media influencers to observe local laws
The Davao City councilor, Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, has urged social media influencers to familiarize themselves with local ordinances before promoting areas to their followers. Ocampo, who heads the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, appreciates the promotion of Davao City by social media influencers but emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws before attracting crowds to specific areas. He expressed gratitude for the promotion but highlighted the challenge of controlling the influx of people once a location is featured. Ocampo plans to collaborate with Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, to accredit social media vloggers through the local government unit. He underscored the need for accredited vloggers, recognizing their contributions to the city and addressing any mistakes they might make. This initiative aims to balance recognition for positive actions with corrective measures for any missteps. The concerns arose in November 2023 when a Davao City-based environment group criticized a travel vlogger for promoting recreational activities in a river within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. Following a waste dumping incident on January 11, 2024, the group urged Dabawenyos, especially vloggers and influencers, to refrain from visiting protected areas for leisure. They emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting rules and regulations before endorsing specific parts of the city......»»
Increasing demand for electric vehicles
The Department of Energy (DOE) in Mindanao has observed a growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Engr. Adrian Mel B. Delola, a Science Research Specialist II at DOE Mindanao Field Office, discussed this trend during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on January 15, 2024. He highlighted the impact of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida Law), implemented on April 15, 2022, which has contributed to the increasing interest in EVs. Delola acknowledged that the current cost of EVs is a concern but expressed optimism that as demand rises, the number of charging stations will increase and the cost of units will subsequently decrease. He also addressed the presence of hybrid models in key cities in Mindanao and the challenge of limited car dealerships facilitating their distribution. Additionally, Delola touched on the use of e-trikes, classified as light EVs under RA 11697, and the regulations regarding their weight and use on national highways. The DOE is working with various agencies to address issues related to the registration and use of e-trikes. Sellers are also advising consumers on the proper use of e-trikes for private purposes and cautioning against their use on national highways......»»
UPMSI-MERF assesses protected areas in Sipaway Island
UPMSI-MERF assesses protected areas in Sipaway Island.....»»
‘Limit political influence in protected areas permits’
Sen. Cynthia Villar yesterday proposed easing local politicians’ influence in approving permits for protected areas, following the Senate’s investigation on the infamous Captain’s Peak Resort built right at the foot of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol......»»
DILG considers review, moratorium on protected areas dev’t.
DILG considers review, moratorium on protected areas dev’t......»»
China must comply with treaty on protected areas – expert
China will be under a “very clear obligation” to comply with measures that apply in marine protected areas in the South China Sea as signatory of the landmark United Nations High Seas Treaty, according to a Japanese international law expert......»»
Rights groups urge German, Czech Republic gov’ts to raise lack of accountability, continuing killings
Human rights group Karapatan urged the governments of Germany and the Czech Republic to raise concerns on the “dire lack of accountability and the continuing killings in the Philippines” as Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on a state visit in the said countries. The post Rights groups urge German, Czech Republic gov’ts to raise lack of accountability, continuing killings appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
DENR looking into other structures at Chocolate Hills
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will look into other establishments operating at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol amid reports that there are other such structures within the protected area......»»
DOT seeks inclusion in protected areas board amid Chocolate Hills issue
Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco —INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo After the recent controversy surrounding a resort development near Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to advocate for its inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a.....»»
Research for next-gen rice varieties to push through
AN OFFICIAL from the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) said that research for next-generation rice varieties or new rice varieties that are being bred by the Institution of Breeders will push through......»»
95 areas in Davao Region still grapple with flooding
Ninety-five areas in the Davao Region continue to grapple with flooding, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao). Davao del Norte has the highest number of flooded areas, with 64 barangays affected, followed by Davao Oriental with 22, and Davao de Oro with nine. The region has also experienced over 50 landslides, with Davao de Oro leading with 44 incidents and eight in Davao Oriental. Tragically, a significant landslide in Monkayo, Davao de Oro resulted in nine confirmed deaths, one critical injury, and four individuals still under search and rescue operations. Davao City also recorded casualties due to heavy rains. The adverse weather conditions have affected thousands of individuals and displaced over 4,000 families in evacuation centers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has provided assistance to the affected families. The heavy rainfall is attributed to a weather system known as a shear line, causing widespread impact in the Visayas and Mindanao areas......»»
AI Revolutionizes Research & Accreditation: IAREAD Webinar a Resounding Success
by Genevieve Balance KupangThe International Association of Research Ethics Across Disciplines, Inc. (IAREAD, Inc.) hosted an innovative webinar, "Application of AI for Research & Accreditation" on March 18th and 19th, 2024. This training workshop explored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the research and accreditation landscape,.....»»
Legislator Urges DENR to Investigate Mining and Quarrying Activities in Catanduanes
Congressman Leo Rodriguez strongly encourages the leadership of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate mining and quarrying activities in the province of Catanduanes. Despite the Provincial Board’s withdrawal of their resolution allowing small-scale carbon mining, the congressman hints at the authorities due to the lack of action on his complaints. According […] The post Legislator Urges DENR to Investigate Mining and Quarrying Activities in Catanduanes appeared first on Bicol Peryodiko......»»
Some developers cut through Chocolate Hills – DENR
Some project developers cut through the Chocolate Hills in Bohol during the construction of their structures, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said, reiterating that this is prohibited under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law......»»
LGU to lift state of calamity over Mindoro oil spill
The municipal government of Pola in Oriental Mindoro will lift the state of calamity it declared over the area following the massive oil spill caused by the sinking of the motor tanker Princess Empress last year......»»
‘Policy on 20 percent use of Chocolate Hills illegal’
As the controversy over the Chocolate Hills continues to rage, an environmental watchdog has joined the fray, describing as unlawful the policy of the Department on Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Area Management Board that allows the use of 20 percent of the hills for development......»»
Media should check construction in protected areas
THE BUILDING of a resort in the midst of the fabled Chocolate Hills of Bohol was first revealed by a social media post to advertise the place, oblivious to the serious concerns it raised. Netizens quickly reacted and triggered widespread criticism that urged the Senate to hold an investigation.Captain's Peak Resort stands amid the expanse of hills stretching into the horizon, a seemingly endless field of mounds,.....»»