By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte—The municipal government here shuttered at least 20 homestays for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act.
Pagudpud mayor Marlon Sales confirmed this as he reported that they formed a joint inspection team from the local government unit and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to closely monitor the implementation of the Clean Water Act and other related local ordinances.
Specifically, Mr. Sales said they found some homestay establishments which are directing their kitchen wastes to the sea.
“Let’s help make Pagudpud clean. This is for all of us to ensure a sustainable tourism and environment,” Mr. Sales said citing these homestay establishments and restaurants will not be able to operate again if they will not comply with the provisions of the law.
Depending on the gravity of the offense, said the local government closed tourism establishments ranging from 15 to 30 days. The LGU gave the shuttered establishments six months to comply with all the laws.
According to Mr. Sales, the local government unit of Pagudpud will conduct a public hearing with all resort owners here to tackle a proposed ordinance requiring the establishment of a sewerage treatment facility before they can operate business.