OWNERS have two weeks, or until December 8, 2022, to demolish “abandoned, unoccupied, dilapidated, ruined and obsolete” illegal structures by the sea in the town of Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island, Cebu.
This is in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 46 signed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Wednesday, November 23.
On the same day, Garcia met with resort and establishment owners at the Sta. Fe Municipal Gym to explain to them the importance of easement and foreshore zones.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Bantayan Island Wilderness Area had conducted a survey and found illegal structures within the easement and foreshore zones in Barangays Pooc and Poblacion in Sta. Fe and in Talisay City.
The illegal structures are considered “unsightly nuisances” and violate Republic Act 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, according to EO 46.
The EO also called on the police and members of the Coast Guard to strictly monitor the implementation of the order. (ANV/PJB)