Pinoys are enraged on social media after learning about a resort that was built smack dab in the middle of Chocolate Hills. At Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan, Bohol, guests enjoy a splendid view of the towering Chocolate Hills, the Philippines’ first global geopark. However, the resort poses ecological damage to the UNESCO-recognized site.

(Update, March 14: DENR and DOT issue statements)

Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort

The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort went viral after a travel page on Facebook shared a drone shot of the resort. Apparently, the resort has been operating for years. It started in 2018 as Captain’s Peak Garden, where visitors are offered various activities, from kite flying and horse riding to camping. In mid-2022, the swimming pool was built, slowly establishing its reputation as a summer destination in Bohol.

Pinoys want the resort investigated

sINCE WHEN DID THE DENR PERMIT A LITERAL RESORT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHOCOLATE HILLS pic.twitter.com/BO8IhosjAl

— chaeyeon ️‍⚧️ is recreating old manila (@chaeyeonieearts) March 12, 2024

For a resort to be built in the middle of what UNESCO recognizes as a National Geological Monument sounds a lot like a crime. In a viral post, an outraged netizen on X called out the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and asked, “Since when did the DENR permit a literal resort in the middle of the Chocolate Hills?”

“Nothing is sacred anymore in the Philippines,” said another. “With this said, technically, this resort is in gross violation as this is a national park. Next, who issued the building permit? Who issued the Occupancy Permit? Who issued the license to use a national park to do this?”

Bohol officials have been on the case since last year

Pinoy netizens aren’t alone in their outrage. Last year, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado ordered an investigation into the defacement of the Chocolate Hills caused by man-made structures. “All these Chocolate Hills must be accounted for. We can’t afford to lose [even] one,” he said.

Bohol Provincial board member Jamie Villamor, who was also aware of the situation, urged the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) to “stop the applications for any construction activity in areas near the Chocolate Hills.” That is until the provincial board can amend the guidelines under Resolution No. 5, Series 2012, which currently allows “private property owners near the Chocolate Hills to develop their land.”

The ambiguity in these guidelines could explain why PAMB allowed Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort to use at least a 20-percent portion of the Chocolate Hills.

Aside from the fact Pinoys pointed out that the resort was an eyesore and damage to natural resources, its existence also violates Proclamation No. 1037:

“Establishing the one thousand seven hundred seventy-six (1,776) hills, more or less, popularly known as the ‘chocolate hills’ and the areas within, around, and surrounding them located in the municipalities of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, Bilar, Valencia and Sierra Bullones, province of Bohol as a natural monument to protect and maintain its natural beauty and to provide restraining mechanisms for inappropriate exploitation.”

Not in Carmen, Bohol?

DENR is super strict getting a permit takes a lot of time, for sure alam nila yan and the resort is definitely not part of the protected area. Bago magalit, do some checking, may google naman.

— Yna Del Rosso (@yummyynnuh) March 12, 2024

If the Chocolate Hills are protected land, why was the resort allowed to exist? Many Pinoys speculated Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort might be in Sagbayan, but its exact location it likely sits on privately owned land. It might’ve escaped scrutiny for years since it isn’t in Carmen, Bohol where the famous tourist viewing spots are located.

“DENR is super strict getting a permit takes a lot of time, for sure alam nila yan and the resort is definitely not part of the protected area,” said one user on X.

“Hindi sya part ng Chocolate Hills kasi sa Carmen po yun. Sagbayan po yang resort na yan. I think owned by private po yan kaya nakapagtayo. Matgal na po yan,” commented another.

Another Pinoy who visited Bohol claimed that private properties around Chocolate Hills even have houses built on them. “[If I recall correctly], protected naman talaga yung Chocolate Hills, but may parts rin sa Sagbayan na may similar hills ng Chocolate Hills pero owned by private individuals. If you’ve been to Sagbayan, you will see na may ibang hills na may mga bahay etc.,” they said.

Pinoys flood Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort with negative reviews

Many continue to insist that the Chocolate Hills should never be touched, let alone altered by man-made establishments.

While the Chocolate Hills resort has yet to release a statement, Pinoys are already leaving negative reviews on its Facebook page, reducing its rating to 1.2 stars.

“[Did] DOT and DENR really allowed (sic) this establishment to build [a] resort inside Chocolate Hills?? This is [a] heritage site and not for [the] type of fun and relaxing place that y’all talking about!!! Hate me all you want but for me this is disgusting!!” said one review.

Another wrote, “What an eyesore. Should’ve built it somewhere else.”

“Masakit sa mata, kahit private dapat hindi pinayagan. Dapat pine-preserve ang ganitong yamang kalikasan,” said another.

“What a shame!! Whoever granted your permit to operate should be responsible for destroying the nature. [sic]” said yet another comment.

UPDATE (3/14/2024): DENR issues a statement

On March 13, DENR finally responded to the public outcry. It confirms that the Chocolate Hills were declared a protected area through Proclamation No. 1037 issued by then-President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997.

“If a land was titled prior to Proclamation 1037 declaring an area as protected area, the rights and interests of the landowner will generally be recognized and respected,” said the statement.

However, DENR also clarified that even privately-owned land has to comply with regulations on land use, since it’s within protected area. “These restrictions and regulations are to be detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement prior to the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the project,” it added.

“In the case of Captain’s Peak Resort, the DENR issued a Temporary Closure Order (TCO) last September 6, 2023 and a Notice of Violation to the project proponent last January 22, 2024 for operating without an ECC,” the statement further shared.

They are currently inspecting and monitoring the resort for its compliance with the TCO.

UPDATE (3/14/2024): DOT says Captain’s Peak Resort does not have accreditation

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort is not an accredited tourist destination. “There is no pending application for accreditation for the same,” it said in a statement.

“The Department, through its Regional Office in Central Visayas, has been in coordination with the Bohol Provincial Government since August 2023 to express its concerns regarding this matter especially recognizing the necessity of preserving the integrity of this natural resource,” it added.

What do you think of this resort on Chocolate Hills? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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