DENR suspends regional ECC approvals for protected areas
DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga announced on Tuesday that applications for Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) at the regional level will be suspended for projects within protected areas.
The directive mandates that ECC applications for projects within protected areas must now go through final review and approval by the Environmental Management Bureau's Central Office, with endorsement from the Biodiversity Management Bureau required before any approval.
During a visit to Mount Apo Natural Park in Digos City, DENR officials found two resorts operating without complete documents and permits, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring of existing structures within protected areas.
The memorandum dated March 26 also directs regional offices to conduct an inventory of all existing structures within PAs and comprehensively review all ECCs issued for projects within these areas.
These measures follow public outrage over a resort in Bohol's Chocolate Hills operating without an ECC, underscoring the DENR’s commitment to protecting ecological integrity as mandated by Republic Act 11038 or ENIPAS.
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