THE CROWN JEWEL of Philippine tourism, Boracay Island, is among the “top 25 favorite islands in the world” in the 2023 latest “World’s Best Awards” survey of Travel + Leisure magazine.
Located off the northern portion of Malay, Aklan, Boracay took the No. 10 spot with a score of 92.94 percent. Last year, it was No. 9 with a score of 90.89 percent.
One big thing learned from the 2018 Boracay debacle – its closure for six months of rehabilitation primarily due to the abuse and misuse of its environment – was that the local government of Malay, Aklan, the provincial government of Aklan and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources must not be negligent in protecting and preserving the world-famous island and the country’s top tourism revenue earner.
It all boils down to this: strict enforcement of environmental laws in Boracay. This is what is primarily needed. The government should work hard to make Boracay a model for ecological management, specifically solid waste management (ESWM).
All concerned authorities must exercise utmost vigilance especially in monitoring compliance to or violation of environmental laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003) and the Clean Water Act (Republic A 9275).
Yes, there must be a stronger implementation of Republic Act 9003 and full compliance to it – actually by all local government units in the country and not only in Boracay.
According to the DENR, there are still local governments with open dumpsites, which are prohibited under the law. By the way, materials recovery facilities in communities need not be expensive. These should be made only from recycled and indigenous materials. Everyone can practice waste segregation in the office and at home.
Let us make Boracay a model green island that exercises the elements of a blue economy, respecting and protecting the water around it. The island, known for its white sand beaches and pristine waters, will lose its attractiveness fast if tourists find it unclean.
