Eskaya invites FG as guest at inauguration

The management of the Eskaya Resort and Spa has confirmed reports that it invited First Gentleman (FG) Mike Arroyo as guest of honor during its blessing inauguration sometime in May this year. As proof of the invitation, the First Gentleman has sent last week an emissary, a certain Nestor Camacho, to oversee the development of the resort's construction. The emissary was also tasked to look into the security aspect of the place. Meanwhile, the resort's lawyer, Alexander Lim, reiterated what has been said last week regarding alleged environmental violations of the tourist complex. He said as early as August last year, the Environmental Management Bureau thru its chief Nestor Canda had conducted a site inspection on the alleged illegal development along the foreshore area.

The inspection of the EMB team was in reaction to verbal reports made by some residents that foreshore development was without permit and clearances from concerned agencies. he same inspection as attested by Canda showed that there was no violation of environmental laws noted by the EMB team. Another certification of environmental compliance was the one issued by at least six personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) headed by Alipio Llorente. Signed by Eusalem Quiwag, LMO III; Felipe Langi, engineer III; Fabian Lolong, forest ranger; Ernesto Vitor, forest ranger; and Clemente Regis, Jr., forest ranger, the certification showed that the CENRO personnel conducted an actual measurement of the 20 meters environmental protection and found out that there was no structure/construction being made within the so-called 20-meter salvage zone.

As to the complaints of residents that there was a roadblock being set up by the resort owners in the barangay road, a police report dated January 27, 2007 indicated that there was no such road blockade. The inspection/verification was in answer to alleged radio reports that the said barangay road that leads to the sea was blocked. The police report was signed by SPO1 Sinforiano Abay-abay, PNP team leader.

Only last Friday, Panglao Mayor Doloriech Dumaluan certified that there is no existing barangay road that traverses lateral within the 20-meter salvage zone in sitio Sunrise , barangay Tawala near the Eskaya resort. Meanwhile, a press statement released by the Dejaresco family, one of the neighbors of the Eskaya resort, clarified that the on-going investigation regarding the alleged environmental destruction came after residents in the area have complained to government authorities. The Dejarescos made it clear that if ever there were complaints of alleged violations, they said they were not a party thereof . They said the complaints came from 90 residents in the area. In fact, the press statement said there was no Dejaresco among its signatories of the complaints.

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