BORACAY – Five out of 9 wetlands in this famed island resort have yet to be cleared of informal settlers and illegal structures, according to an official from the Environment department.
DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda said this as the tourism stakeholders prepare for today’s official island reopening.
Antiporda called the wetlands as “kidneys” of Boracay because they filter inland wastewater before it flows to the sea.
Informal settlers remain in one wetland near the port, according to Antiporda, adding that the government was looking for a relocation site.
Some 32 families from the Tumandok tribe still occupy another wetland, but they will be relocated once land reform program in the island is finalized, the DENR official assured.
Three hotels built on separate wetlands were not yet demolished, too. They still have pending court cases, Antiporda said.
The management of the wetlands cannot be entrusted to communities as some residents are responsible for illegal structures built on them, Antiporda lamented.
Meanwhile, the four wetlands – which have been cleared – will be developed into sustainable public spaces with the help of Energy Development Corp., LT Group, San Miguel Corp., and the Aboitiz Group.
Boracay will be opened today to local and foreign tourists after a half-year rehabilitation, with fresh guidelines like the ban on wild beach parties and a daily tourist cap.(With a report from ABS-CBN News/PN)
