ARCH 103.

Community Planning Development

TAMBIO, LORIE JANE R. / BS ARCHITECTURE 04
03:00 pm – 04:30 pm TTh
Ar. Deanna Alyssa C. Rentegrado, RLA, RMP
MT-SW-01 : REACTION PAPER
NWU Department of Architecture

The Chocolate Hills Resort Controversy:

A Call for Transparency and Community Engagement

INTRODUCTION
In the heart of the Bohol province, Philippines, lies a geological marvel known as the Chocolate Hills. These
aren't your typical rolling hills; instead, imagine over 1,260 (with estimates reaching up to 1,776) individual
mounds, each boasting a conical or dome-shaped form, remarkably similar in appearance. Standing between 30
and 50 meters tall, with the largest reaching a majestic 120 meters, these grassy hills transform into a captivating
spectacle during the dry season. Their verdant covering gives way to a rich, chocolate-brown hue, earning them
their namesake and solidifying their place as a globally recognized tourist destination.

The Chocolate Hills are more than just a scenic wonder; they hold significant scientific value. Recognized as the
Philippines' third National Geological Monument in 1988, these formations are a testament to the power of
natural processes. Geological theories suggest they arose from the uplifting of ancient coral reefs followed by
millions of years of erosion by rainwater and weathering. This unique geological history has resulted in a
landscape unlike any other, attracting not only tourists but also geologists and researchers eager to unravel the
mysteries behind their formation.

Why has the development of Captain's Peak Resort within the protected area of the Chocolate Hills sparked
such a significant controversy, considering the potential economic benefits it could bring to the region?

The recent controversy surrounding Captain's Peak Resort, built within the protected area of the Chocolate Hills
in Bohol, reignited discussions on responsible development, environmental protection, and community
involvement.

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 ARCH 103. Community Planning Development
TAMBIO, LORIE JANE R. / BS ARCHITECTURE 04
03:00 pm – 04:30 pm TTh
Ar. Deanna Alyssa C. Rentegrado, RLA, RMP
MT-SW-01 : REACTION PAPER
NWU Department of Architecture

The Philippine Constitution recognizes the vital role of the citizenry in nation-building. Article XIII, Section 16,
mandates the State's obligation to "encourage community participation in the planning, implementation and
monitoring of programs and projects that directly affect them." This principle is further enshrined in Republic
Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

The Code empowers local government units (LGUs) to formulate comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs) with
the participation of their constituents. Section 177 of the Code outlines a specific process involving public
consultations and hearings to ensure transparency and inclusivity in planning decisions.

A Breach of Transparency?

After the controversy sparked the media, the resort was forced shutdown due to problems demand by the public.
The resort raises concerns about potential breaches of these legal frameworks. Reports indicate the resort
secured business permits from the local government of Sagbayan, Bohol, despite lacking an Environmental
Compliance Certificate (ECC) – a mandatory requirement for projects within protected areas as stipulated by
Presidential Decree No. 1586, or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS). Furthermore,
questions linger regarding the extent of community involvement in the planning and approval process for the
resort.

Environmental Protection and the Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills, a UNESCO Global Geopark, are a geological marvel and a significant tourist attraction.
The PEISS and Republic Act No. 7586, also known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)
Act of 1992, aim to safeguard such ecological treasures.

These laws mandate environmental impact assessments to ensure development projects minimize negative
impacts on protected areas and surrounding communities.

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 ARCH 103. Community Planning Development
TAMBIO, LORIE JANE R. / BS ARCHITECTURE 04
03:00 pm – 04:30 pm TTh
Ar. Deanna Alyssa C. Rentegrado, RLA, RMP
MT-SW-01 : REACTION PAPER
NWU Department of Architecture

The Captain's Peak Resort's location within the Chocolate Hills raises concerns about potential damage to the
unique ecosystem. Construction activities and increased tourist traffic could disrupt natural habitats, affect water
sources, and contribute to soil erosion. The lack of an ECC suggests these potential environmental impacts
might not have been adequately assessed.

Beyond Legal Compliance

While legal compliance with community planning regulations is essential, genuine community participation
goes beyond fulfilling a bureaucratic requirement. Transparent and inclusive discussions about development
projects empower communities to voice their concerns, suggest alternatives, and hold authorities accountable. In
the Chocolate Hills case, involving the local community throughout the planning process could have facilitated
a more sustainable development approach that respects the ecological and cultural significance of the area.

The Captain's Peak Resort controversy offers valuable lessons for future development projects in ecologically
sensitive areas. Here are some recommendations:

Strict Enforcement of Environmental Laws:

The DENR, in collaboration with LGUs, must ensure strict compliance with PEISS and NIPAS Act regulations.
Projects within protected areas must undergo a thorough environmental impact assessment and secure an ECC
before construction commences.

Meaningful Community Participation:

LGUs must prioritize genuine community participation in planning decisions. This entails holding open forums,
conducting surveys, and ensuring access to relevant project information.

Transparency and Accountability:

Authorities have a responsibility to be transparent about proposed development projects. Sharing information
about environmental assessments, economic benefits, and potential risks fosters trust and allows for informed
community participation.

Education and Capacity Building:

Empowering local communities through environmental education and capacity building programs can enhance
their participation in planning processes.

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 ARCH 103. Community Planning Development
TAMBIO, LORIE JANE R. / BS ARCHITECTURE 04
03:00 pm – 04:30 pm TTh
Ar. Deanna Alyssa C. Rentegrado, RLA, RMP
MT-SW-01 : REACTION PAPER
NWU Department of Architecture

Furthermore, upon examining the Captain's Peak Resort controversy, I, as a student architect deeply invested in
the principles of sustainable design, find myself profoundly troubled. The project's location within a protected
area, the Chocolate Hills, raises significant concerns regarding its disregard for the region's unique ecological
value. This blatant oversight underscores the critical need for a development approach that prioritizes
environmental sensitivity and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Furthermore, the apparent lack of transparency and disregard for community participation in the planning
process is deeply disappointing. Meaningful collaboration with local residents fosters a sense of ownership and
ensures that development projects contribute positively to the communities they impact.

However, this controversy also presents a valuable opportunity for progress. By advocating for design
competitions that prioritize sustainable practices and genuine community engagement, we, as future architects,
can champion a more thoughtful approach to development in ecologically sensitive areas. Such competitions
would foster innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact while simultaneously fostering economic
opportunities and respecting the cultural heritage of the region. This collaborative approach, grounded in
environmental responsibility and community well-being, offers a promising path forward for future
development projects.

The Chocolate Hills controversy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of striking a balance between
development and environmental protection. By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and adherence to
existing legal frameworks, future development projects can contribute to a more sustainable future for the
Chocolate Hills and communities that depend on them.As responsible stewards of our natural resources, it is
incumbent upon us to learn from past mistakes and strive for a more harmonious relationship between
development and

conservation. The lessons gleaned from the Captain's Peak Resort controversy underscore the need for a more
holistic approach to planning and decision-making, one that values the voices of local communities and
prioritizes the long-term health of our ecosystems.

Moving forward, it is imperative that we advocate for sustainable practices, transparency, and community
engagement in all development projects. By upholding these principles, we can ensure that our actions today do
not compromise the well-being of future generations or the integrity of our precious natural heritage. Let us
seize this moment to forge a new path towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.