DAVAO CITY — Seven inland resorts in Davao del Sur have been issued Cease and Desist Order due to the potential hazards these resorts pose to communities in the event of a flash flood.
The establishments were directed to self-demolish within 15 days, dismantling structures along the natural river path.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI), through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Davao del Sur and the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Mt. Apo Natural Park issued a Cease and Desist Order last January 19, 2024 to seven (7) inland resorts in Sitio Langan, Barangay Coronon, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur.
The environment office said these resorts pose to communities in the event of a flash flood. Sitio Langan, situated within the Mt. Apo Natural Park boundaries by virtue of Republic Act 9237, gained popularity as a tourist destination, particularly featuring Langan Falls (Busay) promoted through social media since 2018. Despite this, the rapid emergence of resorts during the pandemic raised environmental concerns.
In June 2023, the resorts received Show-Cause-Orders, prompting them to present legal documents legitimizing their operations. However, the majority lacked necessary permits from the local government, tribal community approval, and DENR authorization.
Despite the CDO, structures were erected within the river’s easement line, violating Presidential Decree 1067 and Republic Act 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System or E-NIPAS). Issues of improper waste management and with comfort rooms draining waste into the river, added to the violations, necessitating action for public safety and environmental preservation.
This order stemmed from a series of consultations involving the Local Government Unit of Sta Cruz led by Hon. Jose Nelson Sala Sr., the Punong Barangay’s office under Hon. Jemer Ramos, the Municipal Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) represented by Bai Elvira Lim, Barangay Tribal Chieftain Matanem Leodemer Degamo, other resort owners, and other stakeholders.
Also present during the consultation are from the DENR-XI Team led by PENR Officer of Davao del Sur Alberto N. Bandiola together with Protected Area Superintendent Archelito L. Mallari, Deputy PASu Camilo Victoria, Chief of Environment and Natural Resources Management Division Allan Angub and Chief of Enforcement and Monitoring Section, MANP Paul Rodney D. Arbiol.
The municipal government of Sta. Cruz, barangay leaders of Coronon , and the Tribal Community, through their Indigenous People Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), commit to introducing and assisting affected operators in necessary interventions. This collective effort aims to strike a balance between the economy, society, and the environment, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainable development.
