49 Siargao firms found violating DENR laws
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the DENR-Caraga issued notices of violation of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Environmental Impact Statement System to 49 of 148 establishments in Siargao. Lake Mainit Development Alliance/Released
MANILA, Philippines — Forty-nine business establishments in Siargao have been found violating environmental laws, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said the DENR-Caraga issued notices of violation of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Environmental Impact Statement System to 49 of 148 establishments in Siargao.
The violators, mostly hotels and restaurants, were ordered to address the problems immediately and ensure that responsible ecotourism is sustained in the surfing destination.
The business owners reportedly failed to secure environmental compliance certificates (ECC) and install sewage treatment facilities.
The DENR is fast-tracking the approval of the 10-year solid waste management plan of the local government as well as the construction of a sanitary landfill on the island.
Coordination on garbage collection, transportation and treatment of sewage and septage is also being discussed.
The measures are aimed at securing the future of Siargao as a sustainable tourist destination.
The land and sea scapes of Siargao have been classified as protected areas, but the island has become a favorite destination of tourists and surfers. – Louise Maureen Simeon
- Latest
- Trending
