MANILA – The controversial resort located in the protected area of Chocolate Hills in Bohol has announced its temporary closure effective Thursday after receiving negative social media reactions.
The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort said in a statement that the move is in compliance with the directives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for “maintenance and environmental preservation efforts.”
“To our valued guests, this is to inform you that our resort is temporarily closed until further notice. Sorry, for the inconvenien[ce],” the resort wrote on their social media page.
“The temporary closure will give us time to implement various eco-friendly initiative to further enhance the sustainability of our resort,” the resort added.
“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and ensuring the preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us,” it further said.
The DENR, on Wednesday, has ordered the implementation of a temporary closure order of the controversial resort it first issues in September of last year.
DENR’s temporary closure order against Captain’s Peak Resort stemmed from their business operation despite the absence of environmental compliance certificate.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) said its Central Visayas office has been coordinating with the Bohol provincial government since August 2023 regarding its concerns about the resort.
The controversial resort drew negative reactions after a video of its amenities such as huge swimming pool, cottages and rooms went viral online.
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol was declared a national geological monument by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1988 “in recognition of its scientific value and geomorphic uniqueness.”
Bohol’s famous tourist attraction was then declared a protected area on July 1, 1997 through Proclamation 1037 issued by then president Fidel Ramos./PN
