The Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Tuesday embarked on a joint effort to save Boracay Island in Aklan province from continuous destruction.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu went on an aerial survey of the world-renowned island, which is fast losing the balance between environmental conservation and tourism development.
The Cabinet officials later presided over a multi-sectoral meeting, including the island’s tourism stakeholders, to address pressing concerns about on and offshore pollution, brought about by waste disposal.
“It’s a shame that Boracay, which has repeatedly been recognized by prestigious travel magazines as the World’s Most Beautiful Island, may yet end up a paradise lost if water contamination continues,” Teo said.
Another major problem that prompted the on-site meeting is the alarming recurrence of flooding in most parts of the tourist hub, particularly the flash flooding that occurred during Typhoon “Urduja” last Dec. 18.
Teo blamed the lack of proper sewerage system, as well as a number of business establishments that tap and dispose their waste through the rainwater drainage system all the way to the sea.
About two million international visitors flock to Boracay for sun and beach holiday, water sports, scuba diving all year round, contributing nearly P50 billion in annual receipts. It has also become a frequent luxury cruise ship destination.
The 10.32-square-kilometer paradise is nestled between the Sulu Sea and the Sibuyan Sea, comprised of three barangays (Yapak, Bulabog, and Manok-Manok) under the municipality of Malay, Aklan, with an aggregate population of 34,000.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority, DoT’s infrastructure arm, will pour in P400 million more to the ongoing Boracay drainage project valued at P716 million.
Phase II is aimed at alleviating heavy flooding on the island.
Cimatu disclosed he had called the attention of Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling regarding the worsening garbage problem.
Cawaling, along with Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores, urged the Duterte administration to provide more funds.
“We appeal to both Secretaries to adopt Boracay,” Miraflores told the Cabinet officials.
In reaction, Teo and Cimatu disclosed that an Executive Order drafted by an inter-agency committee will be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte to address once and for all the serious problems besetting Boracay.
The committee will include other government agencies crucial to Boracay, primarily the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Teo said the list of over 100 establishment violators will be divulged soon while Cimatu vowed to conduct an individual inspection of their sewer facilities.
Other problems tackled during the meeting include the impact of overcrowding and overdevelopment where beachfront establishments have extended too close to the shore.
“We can only maintain Boracay’s picture perfect qualities if we can strictly enforce responsible tourism. It’s the only way we can support a sustainable and inclusive tourism program,” Teo added.
Cimatu challenged all local tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers and travel operators, to actively participate in preserving the natural beauty of Boracay.