By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY—The Green Alert Network (GAN) and the Group of Environmental Socialists (GOES) have raised concerns over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) contradictory actions regarding illegal structures in the protected areas of Don Salvador Benedicto.
The environmental groups accused the DENR of favoring wealthy individuals by tolerating their illegal constructions while swiftly demolishing the modest homes and structures of local farmers struggling to survive.
“We are appalled by the DENR’s glaring double standards in enforcement,” said Ariel de la Cruz, GOES coordinator, in a press statement sent to the Daily Guardian on Tuesday.
“The agency seems more inclined to protect the interests of the rich and powerful while targeting the poor and marginalized members of our community who rely on the land for their livelihoods,” de la Cruz added.
The groups pointed out that despite clear violations of environmental laws, several large, illegal developments owned by influential business interests continue to operate in Don Salvador Benedicto.
The area is part of the Northern Negros Natural Park, which is designated as a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act (Republic Act No. 11038).
Meanwhile, local farmers, who rely on small structures essential to their daily survival, face rapid demolitions carried out by the DENR, the groups alleged.
De la Cruz emphasized that many farmers in the area have lived there for generations and are being displaced, leaving them without the resources needed to support their families.
“We are witnessing a gross imbalance where the rich, who have the power and resources, are shielded from legal accountability, while the poor, who are simply trying to make a living from the land, are punished,” said Disney Espartero, GAN coordinator.
“This is not just an issue of environmental protection but of social justice as well,” Espartero added.
The groups highlighted that under Republic Act No. 11038, the DENR is required to protect natural resources and prevent destructive activities in protected areas.
However, they argued that the selective enforcement of the law, allowing the wealthy to evade accountability while penalizing farmers, undermines the agency’s commitment to environmental justice and equity.
GAN and GOES are urging the DENR to conduct a thorough investigation into all illegal structures within Don Salvador Benedicto, as well as other areas under the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) and Mount Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), regardless of ownership.
They also called on the DENR to apply the law fairly and consistently while recognizing the vital role of local farmers in sustainable environmental protection.
“We need a DENR that is truly committed to protecting our environment and the people who depend on it. This selective enforcement must end, and the agency must serve the interests of all Filipinos—not just the privileged few,” the groups said in their joint statement.
