BORACAY – The House committee on natural resources is eyeing to create a development authority that will supervise activities in this famed island destination.
Committee chairman Rep. Arnel Ty (Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association party-list) said a bill seeking the creation of such authority will be proposed when Congress resumes session on July 23.
Ty said this on Friday, after the public hearing on Boracay issues. He added that the creation of the authority will prevent problems brought about by developments in the island, the same problems that led to its shutdown.
“To have continuity and sustainability (of the programs in Boracay), we have to create a development authority that will be representing all sectors,” Ty stressed.
He also said having a development authority after the half-year island cleanup will help solve issues without national government intervention.
“Ito ang nakikita nating paraan para hindi na maulit itong mga naging problema natin ngayon,” Ty added.
Members of the business sector expressed their support for the proposed development authority with conditions.
“We are in favor as long as we, the business sector, are part of the council,” said Elena Brugger, president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Boracay Chapter.
Boracay Foundation, Inc. president Nenette Graf also said they are “open for the proposal if it is for the good of the island.”
Graf said they have to study first the functions of the development authority.
Rep. Carlito Marquez (Aklan) vowed to sponsor the bill./PN
