THE City Government of Zamboanga has warned tourism-oriented establishments to secure business permits first before starting their operations and opening to the public.

In their latest report, City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said Thursday, February 4, 2021, that through the monitoring efforts of village leaders, nine resorts in La Paz have been found to be operating without the proper business permit.

Sebastian said the City Tourism Office and the barangay have already met and warned the owners of the resort to comply with local laws and to secure the necessary permit for operation.

In 2020, the city government called on village leaders to monitor their areas for tourism establishments operating without business permits.

This was following reports that resorts in far-flung villages have opened for business despite not having the requisite documents and permits to operate. (SunStar Zamboanga)