BORACAY – The rehabilitation of this famed island resort is about “50- to 60-percent” complete more than two months into its half-year closure, according to Environment secretary Roy Cimatu.
“Mga 50 to 60 percent na kumpleto ang rehabilitasyon. Bumabalik na ang ganda ng Boracay,” Cimatu said during Monday’s Senate hearing on the island’s degradation.
He assured that the inter-agency task force assigned to “reverse” Boracay’s poor environmental condition can meet its Oct. 26 deadline – the schedule for the island reopening.
Cimatu said they are now preparing the guidelines for the reopening, adding that he already issued Memorandum Circular No. 2018-16 which requires hotels, resorts and other business establishments in the island to establish their own sewage treatment plants.
The memorandum aims to address the water quality problem in the beach resort.
The 12-meter road widening project in Boracay is also ongoing.
Covering the areas from Sitio Cagban in Barangay Manoc-manoc to Sitio Pinaungon in Barangay Balabag, the project aims to decongest traffic in the island.
Traffic rerouting was implemented starting July 16 to pave the way for the project.
Aside from easing the traffic and ensuring water sanitation in Boracay, the task force also prioritizes providing safety social nets for residents, improving law implementation and crafting a comprehensive ecosystem rehabilitation and recovery program in the island.
Cimatu said that even after the six-month timetable lapses, they will still continue working on the key programs.
The DENR chief also asked the Congress to amend the Local Government Code for the creation of environmental offices in municipalities.
“We need more teeth to implement environmental laws,” Cimatu added. (With a report from Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
