River, mountain resort operators urged to hire lifeguards, watchmen

OPERATORS of river and mountain resorts in Eastern Visayas were urged to employ at least two lifeguards and watchmen following the recent flashflood that swept away three individuals swimming in Tinubdan Falls, Catmon, Cebu.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Tirso Parian said their agency “is responsible in regulating the use of water resources and constraining the negative impacts of resort operations to our environment.”

In a letter addressed to municipal mayors in the region, the DENR official suggested that the life guards and watchmen “will monitor the prevailing weather condition in the locality.”

According to Parian, these personnel should be equipped with devices that will warn the visitors of impending danger and should be responsible in bringing them to safety.

“This is done by requiring them to secure water permits in compliance with Presidential Decree 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines and comply with the provisions of Environmental Compliance Certificate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Parian maintained that resort owners should be required to display safety reminders for their visitors in visible areas at all times.

He added that strict monitoring of the resort’s compliance to safety measures should be done regularly.

“While the Department focuses on the environmental aspect of resort operations, we enjoin the local government units in securing the lives and safety of individuals amidst natural calamities such as the flashflood that occurred recently,” Parian said.

“The wrath of Mother Nature is powerful and devastating to human lives. What happened in Catmon, Cebu may also happen in our own locality. Let’s be mindful of our safety and always take extra precautions,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)