SILAY City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez is asking the intervention of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on the Barangay Patag to Barangay Guimbala-on issue.
Golez said he personally submitted to Puyat, who arrived in Negros Occidental Tuesday, January 19, a letter asking the Department of Tourism (DOT) assistance for a possible Tourism Development Plan to regulate the activities in the area, which is one of the top tourist destinations in the province.
"I submitted a letter to Secretary Puyat and we'll see what will be her action," Golez said.
He also revealed that the Protected Area Management Board (Pamb) has already given the approval to the operation of the resorts, coffee shops and lodging houses along Barangay Patag to Barangay Guimbala-on and that the City Government is still reviewing the matter.
Aside from the fact that some of the establishments are located within the protected area of the Northern Negros Natural Park, some are also located in the hazard zones and are made of light materials which pose danger to tourists, Golez said.
Golez also said the resorts and other structures are still close since August 10, 2020 after Cease and Desist Order were issued against them by the City Government of Silay for several violations especially lacking of the necessary permits.