PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recommended the compulsory demolition of 32 business establishments in El Nido for failing to meet the 30-day deadline.
Regional Director Natividad Bernardino of the DENR Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) during the Tuesday question hour of the Palawan Provincial Board said she had discussed the matter with El Nido Mayor Nieves Rosento regarding business establishments that fail to comply in 60 days.
The local government unit (LGU) is tasked to implement the demolition if the establishment owners do not remove their structures in the easement zone.
“As for the 32 establishments, there are still who have not fully complied, but their deadline for compliance of self-demolition has already expired,” she informed the question hour presided by Board Member Winston Arzaga.
Bernardino said it has been more than two months since they issued the notices to vacate in March to owners of the businesses whose structures are within the three-meter easement zone.
Presently, she said that only three have followed the deadline set by the DENR. Five of the total number that had been served notices have not done any action, while the rest are in various stages of completion.
“The first batch of establishments that we have issued notices in barangays Buena Suerte and Masagana will be ordered to complete their demolition,” she said in an interview with the local media following the question hour.
She added the only remaining issue in the implementation of the El Nido LGU of the forcible demolition is heavy equipment. However, she has asked the provincial government of Palawan to help with this.
“I have asked the help of the provincial government to provide the necessary heavy equipment in El Nido for them to be able to do the forcible demolition of those who haven’t complied yet,” she added.
Bernardino was called to attend the question hour of the Provincial Board on Tuesday to shed light on the implementation of the cleanup drive in El Nido by the members, particularly Arzaga, who is worried about the welfare of the businesses and the residents.
He told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that he supports the DENR agenda 100 percent, but wants to ensure that the rights of the people are also protected.
“We are supportive of the DENR’s cleanup drive so the environment will not be abused. However, we also want to protect the welfare of the businesses and of course, the residents,” he said. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
