Cartoon by: Jairus Kristan Samudio
Published by: Simoun Jarred Erpilo
Date Published: April 30, 2024
Time Published: 12:00 PM
The Philippines is a stunning country with a variety of scenery, beaches, and a lively culture that has become the ultimate getaway destination for tourists. However, in today's time where profit determines the value, the Philippines seems to be heading in the path of capitalism over its own culture. Gone are the days of green grass as they replaced it with low-grade cement filled with chlorine-filled water. With this pace, it is quite easy to see that authorities seem to prioritize swimming in a pool rather than appreciating the drowning beauty of the country.
Earlier last year, on Slater Young’s YouTube channel, he revealed the ‘Banaue-inspired’ condo that gained comments from the netizens. The Rise at Monterrazas is a luxurious condominium situated along Monterrazas de Cebu, Guadalupe, Cebu City, the city’s second-largest metropolitan area [1]. A 200-hectare residential development in Cebu City placed into a mountainside is being hailed as sustainable but urban experts warn that the design could result in flooding and landslides [2].
Those terraces were carved by the ancestors to help them survive and now represent the culture, identity, and long-term coexistence with the environment. All of that is directly at odds with the condominium project. The significance carved into each step of the Banaue is broadcasted to be replaced with a more modern look that appeals only to those who can afford it. Natives were disregarded as their lands were planned to be used, discarding their rights to livelihood and protection of their culture.
Young is not the only audacious person to propose such a thing. In fact, earlier this year, Chocolate Hills has recently gone viral on social media after a resort was built in the middle of the hills. Netizens originally assumed that the local government did not know the existence of the resort. Certainly, that has to be it? Turns out the resort is operating under the permission of the local officials, yet has no environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) [3].
It is horrifying to learn that the resort has the power to change the Chocolate Hills' natural splendor. Come to think that there are a lot of free lots where the Captain’s Peak may be built, but why in the middle of the hills? It’s quite puzzling to believe that it didn't even go through the municipal engineer's office either. Regardless, the damage to the hills has been done and would take a long time to recover. It is quite sad to see the pride of our country be reduced to a mere location to build a resort that did not even compliment the natural beauty of Bohol.
Some people argue that the foreclosure of the resort negatively impacts the livelihood of the local people; this is backed by the Governor of Bohol, Gov. Erico Aumentado [4]. However, it is not worth it to destroy something of such significance, especially when the authorities should be the ones ensuring the livelihood of the people while keeping the heritages protected. The hills were the result of erosion and rainfall, as well as the uplift of coral deposits. They were designated as a “National Geological Monument” and a “Protected Landscape” due to their unique geological formations.
There are multiple instances where nature has been threatened for the sake of industrialization and commercialization. These cases would be inevitable as the society progresses and deem them no longer valuable, regardless of its historical significance. In this country, there are people who do not have a heart in nature that is gradually dominating the natural landscape which leads to the devastation of our national landforms. Although unavoidable, that does not mean it is impossible to prolong its destruction.
These continued exploitation of our nature for profit would haunt and always threaten our culture. The national and local authorities need to ensure that the policies are being followed with no exemptions. Transparency should be instilled, and the right of the people to information should be promoted. Let us all advocate for the preservation of our heritage and encourage the public to be educated about the decisions that concern the well-being, livelihood, and identity of the people.
REFERENCES:
[1] Severo, J. M. (2024, March 13). Netizens question construction of resort in Chocolate Hills vicinity. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/travel-and-tourism/2024/03/13/2340264/netizens-question-construction-resort-chocolate-hills-vicinity
[2] Guiao, M. A. (2023, August 29). What’s so controversial about Slater Young’s Banaue Rice Terraces-Inspired project? SPOT.PH. https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/trending/106109/explainer-slater-young-s-controversial-monterrazas-project-skypod-3-a5229-20230829
[3] Udtohan, J. (2024, March 15). Bohol governor wants truth in Chocolate Hills development. Inquirer Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1918832/bohol-gov-wants-truth-in-chocolate-hills-devt
[4] Cayabyab, M.J. (2024, April 4). Bohol governor appeals resort closure. Phil Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/04/2345186/bohol-governor-appeals-resort-closure
No comments:
Post a Comment