House Committee Approves Bill to Protect Chocolate Hills
A bill aimed at protecting the iconic Chocolate Hills in Bohol, has been approved by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources.
The bill, filed by Representatives Edgar Chatto, Vanvan Aumentado, Alexie Tutor, and Pepito Alvarez, seeks to establish the coverage of the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument (CHNM) and amend the composition of the CHNM Protected Area Management Board.
The measure, which was sponsored by Chatto and Aumentado, aims to address concerns related to the protection and preservation of the Chocolate Hills, including issues on land ownership, land use, and the expansion of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
The committee, chaired by Representative Alfredo Marañon, heard comments from resource persons from relevant national agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Among those who attended the hearing were Board Member Jamie Villamor of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Environment Committee, Assistant Provincial Legal Officer Reginald Namocatcat, and Tagbilaran Baywatch Spokesperson Atty. Gertrude Biliran.
Chatto said that the approved bill will still need to go through the Appropriations Committee to discuss funding provisions, particularly the provision of just compensation to landowners who were affected by the Expanded National Protected Area Management System (E-NIPAS) Law, which was passed in June 2018 and took effect in July 2019.
If approved by the Appropriations Committee, the bill will be sent to the plenary for approval by all members of the House of Representatives and then transmitted to the Senate for its approval.
Chatto said the bill is seen as a progressive step in protecting the Chocolate Hills, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines known for its unique geological formations.