BORACAY – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay, Aklan will fully implement ordinances that seek to protect this famed beach destination’s road and coastal easements.
These ordinances aim to regulate the construction of resorts, hotels and other establishments in the island that is still undergoing rehabilitation even after the half-year period of environmental restoration from April 26 to Oct. 26 in 2018.
“Aside from Municipal Ordinance No. 2000-131, or the local ordinance on environmental protection, ordinances on zoning and construction should be also fully implemented,” said SB member Dante Pagsuguiron.
SB member Floribar Bautista also said some businessmen continue to operate in Boracay without necessary permits and clearances four months after the island reopening. “Dapat mapagmatyag tayo or else madamay na naman tayo nito. There could be consequences in the future, maybe a closure due to non-compliance of erring establishments. Di pa tayo natuto, huwag nila sanang idamay ang iba,” stressed Bautista.
He added: “ We don’t have to give the national government the justifications to implement another closure because of non-implementation of municipal ordinances. Kung mangyayari ito, baka may charges naman tayo ulit ng serious neglect of duty.”
On Feb. 28, the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group identified 10 establishments in Balabag main beach found violating the required 25- to 5-meter coastal easement and 6-meter road easement.
The group gave owners 15 days to remove the illegal structures built within the easement zones. (With Akean Forum/PN)
