TUGUEGARAO CITY -– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Cagayan Valley has ordered a stop to business operations along the Nangaramoan Beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan for the failure of the owners to comply with environmental laws.
According to DENR-Region 2 Director Atty. Gil A. Aromin, the order was issued because the business operators violated Section 69 of Presidential Decree No. 705 as amended by Section 78 of Republic Act 7161 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
He assured the public that the beach is still open for swimming and other outdoor activities.
“Only the business operations are stopped pending compliance with necessary requirements,” Aromin said in a phone interview, Thursday.
It can be recalled that in October last year, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Aparri, Cagayan issued a final notice to the president and members of the Nangaramoan Environmental Protectors Association to stop their business operation including further construction and improvement of establishments which were illegally erected.
“The existence of establishments such as cottages and stores unlawfully built within the salvage zone and timberland at Sitio Nangaramoan is in violation of DENR rules and regulations and other laws,” said CENR Officer Edgar T. Martin.
The salvage zone is an area located 20 meters from the shoreline intended for public easement. (Simeon Dilan/PNA)