DAVAO CITY – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno have conducted a field assessment of resorts near the foot of Mount Apo here.

MOUNT APO (OPAMINE FB)
These officials, accompanied by DENR Undersecretary Joselin Marcus Fragada and Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Salvador, conducted the inspection following reports that some resorts in Barangay Kapatagan in Digos City, Davao del Sur, were operating without a permit and other necessary documents.
Loyzaga said they are giving Monteferio Garden Resort and Twin Mountain View Resort time to prepare their permits and other necessary documents to enable them to continue their operations. She added that they want all resorts to abide by government policies.
The DENR said only two – power-generating companies and not resorts – out of the 96 business establishments operating in Barangay Kapatagan have DENR permits.
“The DENR does not want to shut down resorts and establishments without permits. We aim to find a solution that protects both the environment and the workers of these establishments. We are asking for cooperation from these business owners,” Loyzaga said.
Loyzaga suspended all Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) applications for projects in protected areas (PAs). She said these ECCs will undergo a thorough review by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) before approval.
The DENR Secretary emphasized that the directive aligns with the goals of the Republic Act (RA) 11038,
The Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System (ENIPAS), which underscores the necessity of safeguarding and conserving the ecological balance within the PAs.
Dela Rosa, born and raised in Santa Cruz town in Davao del Sur, emphasized the significance of the government and society reaching a consensus to sustain the livelihoods of the people in Barangay Kapatagan.
“Since I grew up here, I took it with me to look into the matter. The law may be harsh, but it is a law. We still need to find common ground to protect the environment and the people,” Dela Rosa said.
Magno thanked Loyzaga for coming to the Davao region and guiding the community in fulfilling essential environmental permits. He said government officials care for the environment and people living in the area.