Chocolate Hills viewing facilities deteriorating?

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The wonder of the Chocolate Hills may remain but then tourists flocking to it find its viewing deck deteriorating of neglect, upsetting the allure of this world famous icon of Bohol tourism.

This was the pressing concern raised by the Provincial Tourism Council as it urged the provincial government to "look into the current state of the Chocolate Hills Complex, including its physical facilities, operations and management."

The PTC, in a resolution attested by its chairman Lucas Nunag and signed by Bohol Tourism Office head Josephine Cabarrus, noted the poor service and deteriorating facilities of the Complex, as the buildings and rest area fixtures need repair or renovation and upgrading.

These concerns were also brought up by the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (BOFETTO), and Tour Guides.

"Sanitation also has been deficient as shown by the smelly and dirty toilets, which have sub-standard fixtures like urinals that are either out of order or without water. The facilities, service, and products of the restaurant are inadequate and do not conform to the stature of the place as the No. 1 tourism site of the province," they said, adding that there are no activities or products that enhance the experience of visitors to the complex.

"The accommodation facility at the complex is in deplorable condition, does not meet national, much less international accommodation standards and is not even accredited with the Department of Tourism. It was also observed that the landscaping is unattractive and poorly maintained, and the ramp near the stairs is mossy and slippery when wet," the PTC said.

The PTC further said that safety has been a grave concern due to the absence of appropriate signage, particularly on potentially dangerous activities such as the taking of action photos at the slopes. "Many of the lighting posts are no longer functional," it said.

With these serious issues reflecting the competencies of the Complex management, the PTC warned that Chocolate Hills might lose its luster if its viewing deck is left to deteriorate further. "Bohol cannot afford to let its anchor tourism site fall into a state of disrepair as this will adversely impact on the image of Bohol as the country's prime eco-cultural tourist destination," it said.

The PTC asked the Capitol to arrest the deterioration of the Complex by conducting a total review of the operations, management and marketing aspects of the body running it.

Ways to fully harness the potential and image of Chocolate Hills must be addressed now to save this prime tourist destination and sustain the grandeur of its site, said the PTC.

"Chocolate Hills is the highlight of the tour of Bohol and is the principal reason why the province is recognized as the country's prime eco-cultural tourist destination, and became a member of the elite group called the World Famous Mountains," PTC added. (FREEMAN)