Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has emphasized the urgent need to amend the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act as the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources begins discussions on House Bill 831, a measure aimed at resolving long-standing land issues affecting communities within the Chocolate Hills National Monument.
According to Aumentado, many landowners, small businesses, and even LGUs have been hindered for years because their privately owned properties and urban centers were unexpectedly placed inside the protected area.
“This has made it extremely difficult for them to secure ECC, slowing down local development and limiting the rightful use of lands that families have possessed for generations.”
“This has made it extremely difficult for them to secure Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), slowing down local development and limiting the rightful use of lands that families have possessed for generations,” the governor said.
He welcomed the committee’s move to refer HB 831—authored by Representative Alexie Tutor and co-authored by Representatives Vanvan Aumentado and Baba Yap—to a Technical Working Group (TWG) for closer review.
Gov. Aumentado stressed that the amendment, which is site-specific to the Chocolate Hills, is necessary to address the real situations of affected communities.
He expressed hope that Congress will expedite the process, saying the swift passage of the proposed amendments will finally provide long-awaited clarity and relief to residents, landowners, businesses, and local governments who continue to be burdened by the current law.
