Teo eyes stricter law to preserve Boracay

SAVE BORACAY. DOT-DENR-DILG meeting in order to preserve the Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2017 Best Island in the World

The Philippine authorities assured that the full-scale government effort on the famed Boracay Island is geared towards preserving and upgrading the maintenance of its natural assets amid reports of seawater pollution and street flooding.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, who heads a multi-agency program called “Oplan Save Boracay (#saveboracay),” disclosed that a delegation of senators will take a look-see of the actual situation in Boracay, as part of the Senate inquiry in aid of legislation.
Findings of a joint field inspection of Boracay by Teo and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Roy Cimatu recently prompted a congressional inquiry in the island’s condition, as well as a strong directive from President Rodrigo Duterte to implement preventive measures.

“If enacted and implemented, a tourism heritage law will be more effective in ensuring the preservation and protection not only of Boracay Island and its seawaters but all of the country’s natural tourist destinations,” said Teo after a day-long multi-agency meeting at DOT Wednesday.
Over 60 establishments, including five-star resorts, have been reportedly dumping untreated sewage water into the seas off barangays Balabag, Manoc-Manoc and Yapac that comprise Boracay island, municipality of Malay, Aklan.

Local government officials have taken a flak over the perennial problems of water pollution, lack of garbage disposal, violations building prohibition 30-meter from the shoreline.

To immediately address Boracay’s problems, the DOT head also said a joint administrative order is being forged with other line agencies, namely DENR, Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Boracay as it is now, remains among the world's most beautiful islands as recognized by top international travel magazines, and that’s precisely why we are seriously concerned over these environmental threats that might affect its viability as an international tourist destination,” said Teo.
DOT Undersecretary for public affairs Katherine De Castro revealed that a communications plan is being crafted to keep the world updated on the developments in Boracay.

“Certainly all is not lost for Boracay Island, and we owe our guests, who have set foot in its fine white-sand beaches and have come to love it and its people, to know that this government is taking measures to protect this paradise,” said De Castro.