Citizen team to watch over Boracay pushed

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BY PRINCE GOLEZ
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February 15, 2018
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MANILA – The local government of Malay, Aklan and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were urged to form a citizen oversight team that will monitor and protect the island of Boracay.

The world-renowned tourist destination faces possible closure due to various environmental violations.

“Hinihimokkopoang DENR atangbayanngMalay namagbuongmgacitizens’ teamsupangmagingkatuwangsapagmonitorat pangangalagangBoracay,” Sen. Nancy Binaysaid yesterday.

Binay, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, lamented Boracay’s “abusive relationship” with humans.

“Seryosongbagayito…It’s about time for her to say, tama na!” Binay added.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier threatened to shut down Boracay due to its sewage problems.

The President gave DENR secretary Roy Cimatu six months to solve the environmental issues of the island resort.

Binay’s proposal would supplement the work of the task force assigned to address the environmental problems in Boracay, she said.

“Kasamasagawainng citizen team naito ay angpagsiguronasinusunod at napapanatiliangpinakamataasna environmental standards saBoracay. It will help the DENR and the local government unit monitor and execute measures to prevent all kinds of pollution that impact the environment,” the senator said.

“They will also serve as the eyes and ears, and periodically check that the president’s list of things to do is done,” she added.

Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara asked concerned government agencies to “fast-track” Boracay’s rehabilitation to maintain the country’s tourism growth, while preserving the beauty of the island.

“We have to get our acts together. Boracay attracts 2 million tourists every year and brings in more than P50 billion in annual revenues. It’s no less named as world’s best island,” Angara said.

“Huwagnamansananatingsayanginitodahillamang may ilangestablisimyentonahindinakasusunodsamgaregulasyonnggobyerno,” he added.

‘Let the island breathe’

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said erring establishments and local government officials should be charged for the deteriorating state of Boracay.

“Those private establishments that are found guilty of not following environmental laws have to be charged, as well as those government officials. Sila nag aaprubanyan e. Hindi namanmagkakaroonng permit ‘yankunghindinilatinitignan ‘yung sanitation, health aspect, environmental aspect and others,” said Ejercito.

The senator also pushed for “drastic” measures to save the island.

“Let us give the chance for Boracay to be able to breathe. Masyadonanatinsiyangnagamit e, naexploit,” he added.

Government data showed that 2 million tourists visited the resort island in 2017, attracting P50 billion in annual tourism receipts.

In 2017, Binay filed Senate Resolution No. 313, urging the proper committee to conduct an inquiry to promote a zero tourism waste policy in the island./PN
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