ENVIRONMENTAL greetings!
We are writing once again to shed some important truths on green algae (Chlorophyta) removal in the island of Boracay.
Your written observations stated in Lapsus Calami’s article Why Remove Boracay Green Algae published on May 6, 2018 is correct in saying that “the real reason why green algae thrive is the ‘nutrients’ in Boracay waters from untreated wastewater.”
As I have candidly stated in past media interviews, the cause of algal bloom in the island is untreated wastewater which causes nutrients’ increase in the waters surrounding Boracay Island. This, of course, is aside from other natural factors that contribute to algal bloom such as nutrients, temperature, light, turbidity, and stable conditions.
Collection of green algae from the shores of Boracay is one step we took to “declog” the water of pollution, since its degradation will further pollute the water. This may seem to be a short-term solution but this is part of our ongoing efforts to clean Boracay’s water.
The interagency task force overseeing the rehabilitation of Boracay is keen on putting in place the long-term solution to address algal bloom, which is the upgrading of the sewerage system in the island and to be able to connect all sewer pipes of establishments and households for wastewater treatment prior to its final disposal.
Rest assured that the collective efforts of the interagency task force is aimed at the same goal: to save and protect Boracay Island from further environmental destruction.
We are grateful for the vigilance your paper has shown in the government agencies’ efforts to completely rehabilitate the precious Boracay Island. More power! – JIM O SAMPULNA, Ph.D., CESO III, regional director, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6
