DILG, DOT, and DENR regional chiefs recommended to defer the temporary closure of the tourism sites in MIMAROPA which are under close monitoring and inspection due to issues of poor water quality and encroachment of illegal structures on easement zones.
El Nido and Coron in Palawan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro are among the five sites in MIMAROPA Region monitored by the DILG.
The monitoring is in response to Cabinet Action File No. 535-09118-15-16-17 that directs the Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to continuously monitor and supervise all other island resorts to avoid similar scenario in Boracay Island. It can be recalled that in 2019, President Duterte declared a state of calamity in three barangays in Boracay and ordered temporary closure for six months rehabilitation.
On-going inspection has reported that as of December 31, 2019, a total of 4,831 out of 8,084 business establishments from the three identified tourisms sites were inspected and monitored.
Depending to the type of business establishment, the Regional Inspection Team (RIC) composed of representatives from the LGU-BPLO, DENR, DOT, DILG, BFP, and PNP secures that each establishment must comply with the necessary permits and documents that include:
- SEC/CDA DTI Certificate;
- Mayor’s Permit;
- Barangay Clearance;
- Real property Tax Receipt/Contract of Lease;
- Zoning Clearance;
- LGU Occupancy Permit;
- LGU Building Permit;
- STP-Sewer Line Connection/Desludging Certificate;
- Labor Code Requirements;
- BFP Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance;
- BFP FSIC for Occupancy Permit; and
- BFP FSIC for Business Permit.
The committee also assured, that non-compliant establishments, after given due course in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations, face the risk of not being issued with permit to operate.
By: Michael Rass