ILOILO City – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 advised that safety protocols be observed in holding community fireworks display in Boracay Island to welcome the New Year.
Regional Executive Director Livino Duran issued the reminder as his office interposed no objection to the conduct of a 20-minute fireworks display there as requested by the local government unit (LGU) of Malay, Aklan which has jurisdiction over Boracay.
“We are anticipating an influx of tourists. It is the responsibility of this local government unit to create quality and memorable experiences for tourists visiting Boracay Island as well as the local residents,” read part of the request letter by the Malay LGU dated Dec. 5.
Duran reminded the LGU to conduct the activity 100 meters offshore using pyrotechnics and to clean the area after the event.
“The cleanup would also mean tourists and residents should not leave waste in the designated areas,” said the regional executive director.
As to sandcastles, which are one of the tourist attractions in the island, Duran said the LGU has the authority to “impose regulations on sandcastle building within the 25+5 beach easement and part of the forestland for protection purposes.”
Although sandcastles are temporary structures, he added that building them is still subject to protective measures to prevent further degradation of the shoreline.
“Boracay Island has always been fragile. Any island ecosystem is fragile. So all the safety protocols that were put in place even during the start of the island rehabilitation should be sustained, all for the good of the island and its people,” Duran said./PN
