TUGUEGARAO CTIY, Philippines- Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) administrator Raul Lambino said they ordered the closure of a famous beach resort in Santa Ana town to protect the name of the province from criticisms.
In a phone interview with The Northern Forum, Lambino said the operators of the Nangaramoan white beach resort, which he claimed “one of the finest in the world,” had violated several environmental laws and rules and regulations of CEZA.
The violations, according to Lambino, included poor waste management, pollution and the unabated construction of structures without basis and master plan.
“And when we receive reports about what is happening in Nangaramoan, which is a very very nice place to go, one of the best beaches that I have seen in the world no, hindi naman pupwede ito,” Lambino said.
Lambino said the Cagayan’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (CENRO) and the local government of Santa Ana said in their findings that there were violations committed by the operators.
He added that closure will give them opportunity “to put things in order,” including the creation of master plan to ensure that the operations in the beach are well-regulated.
‘Cleansing’
For Lambino, the move is part of his initiative in “cleansing CEZA” since the image of the economic zone ” before I assumed the office as the administrator and chief executive officer is not so good.”
He said he would not want visitors branding beaches in Santa Ana “unsanitary” just because one of the beach resorts did not follow environmental compliance.
“We are going to do all remedial measures para agad ma-answer natin yung desire ng mga kababayan natin sa Cagayan, and those who are coming from other provinces who want to visit Santa Ana, eh makikita nila yung kagandahan nito,” Lambino said.
“[CEZA was] known to be haven for illegal gambling, for smuggling, and that very natural asset of Cagayan, which are our pristine white beaches and clear water, ‘yun na lamang ang natitirang magandang masasabing satin ay sisirain pa, hindi ako papayag ‘nun,” he added.
He said they now fast-tracking the design of the master plan for the beach, and the construction of facilities so it would be ready for tourists in summer. Northernforum.net