DENR orders 14 Establishments in Puerto Galera to voluntarily Move Out till 30 days

Photo Credits to owner

After Boracay, Puerto Galera is next on the attention of environment authorities. 

Exactly 14 establishments in the beach fronts in the areas of Sabang and White Beach in Puerto Galera were given notice to move out by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR). 

The department has been targeting violators of environmental laws at the tourist spots. 

Vicente Tuddao, Assistant Regional Director of DENR MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) and chair of Task Force Galera, personally served the notices to vacate last Friday. The establishments were given 30 days to comply.

The following establishments are Tina's Sunset Cottages, Restaurant & Dive Center, Ocean Dream Lodge, Paradise Dive Zone Resort, Corp., Pink & Black Lodging House, Montani Beach Resort, Sabang Inn, Sabang Divers, Mangosteen Restaurant , Dive Dojo, Mermaid Resort Charletan, Inc., Modem Development Company Inc., Captn Gregg, Eddie's Place Bar & Restaurant, Marginor Diner & Snack, and I Dive at Casa Mia.

Task Force Galera has also inspected establishment for compliance to the rules, such as securing discharge permit, environmental certificates and other permits for solid waste segregation and Pollution control. 

The breakdown on the beach resorts and business establishments happened from Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu’s orders to run after violators of the solid waste management and clean water acts, as well as laws on coastal easement zones.

Photo Credits to owner

Photo Credits to owner

Photo Credits to owner

Photo Credits to owner

Photo Credits to owner

Mayor of Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Ilagan is not so worried and did not contest the DENR findings. He said the problem had persisted “over the last 10 years.”

Ilagan said that they've been monitoring White Beach, and its water quality has yet to reach an alarming level. 

Bernardino added that DENR is trying to rehabilitate Puerto Galera not only for tourism, but also for scientific researches.

"Puerto Galera is going to be visited next by the inter-agency task force. We have received reports of the conditions there, and we want again to help rehabilitate," Alegre said.


Source: CNN Philippines, Inquirer