BORACAY ISLAND – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is planning to conduct a clean-up activity to preserve the government’s efforts in rehabilitating the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force is evaluating the best time to clean-up and develop the much-needed infrastructure in the island, said DENR Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor.
“The clean-up drive could be done partially or by sections so as not to adversely affect the residents and workers in the island,” Rigor said.
Around 320 establishments have already complied business permits and clearances with the inter-agency task force and the municipal government as of Feb.
Rigor stressed the measure will keep Boracay Island compliant with environmental protection and sanitation laws, and become sustainable for the vast numbers of travellers.
Local government officials said that thousands of jobs and income would be lost if the island destination would be closed during the island’s peak season.
Last year, the temporary closure displaced workers and residents whose livelihoods are dependent on the island’s tourism industry.
The island was closed to tourists for six months from April 26 to Oct. 25 after President Rodrigo Duterte called it a ‘cesspool’. (WithAkeanForum/PN)
