KALIBO, Aklan – The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) remains optimistic the rehabilitation projects in the world class island located in Malay town will be completed amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The island resorts’ road widening, restoration of wetlands, establishment of flood control infrastructures, and expansion programs of sewerage and water systems are ongoing.
“We have a plan on how we are going to accomplish the demolition of the remaining structures. The national and local agencies are also supportive of the rehabilitation. They are involved in wasteland management planning,” said Boracay Community Environment and Natural Resources officer Rodel Lababit.
The enforcement of 25+five meter beach and 12-meter road easements, carrying capacity regulations, environmental compliance monitoring for water quality, and completion of roads and drainages are the priority rehabilitation activities of BIATF.
President Rodrigo Duterte extended the term of the task force until May 8, 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic stalled Boracay’s completion of high impact tourism infrastructure works for nearly three months.
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), on the other hand, will resume its Boracay Drainage Improvement Project to meet the April 2021 target completion.
The world-famous resort island reopened again on June 16 but for regional tourists only.
As of July 10, the Department of Tourism has issued Certificate of Authority to Operate/Provisional Certificate of Authority to Operate to 80 accredited Boracay accommodation establishments. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
