Mga lokal na ordinansa mahigpit nang ipinatutupad sa Boracay

MAHIGPIT NGAYONG ipinatutupad ng Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group ang iba-ibang mga lokal na ordinansa sa Boracay.

Ang operasyon na tinawag nilang Project Boracay Enhanced Security Strategy and Tactics (BESST) ay naglalayong gawing "disciplined zone" ang buong Isla.

Kabilang sa bumubuo sa grupo ay ang Tourism Regulatory Enforcement Unit, Metro Boracay Police Task Force, at Malay Auxiliary Police.

Ayon kay PLtCol. Ryan Manongdo ng Metro Boracay Police Task Force, sa ngayon ang tinutukan muna nila ay ang front beach mula sa Station 1 hanggang Station 3.

Kabilang sa ipanatutupad ay ang pagbabawal sa mga iligal na commissioner at mga ambulant vendors sa front beach, pagbabawal sa pagkain sa beach, paninigarilyo, pag-inom, pag-ihi at pagdumi.

Hinihigpitan rin ng mga otoridad ang iligal na pagpapalipad ng mga unmanned vehicle o drone sa Boracay.

Sinabi pa ni Manongdo na 24/7 ang kanilang panghuhuli. Vinivideo nila ang panghuhuli para sa transparensiya. Binibigyan nila ng mga kaukulang violation ticket ang mga lumalabag.

Wala naman umanong umaangal at nagiging maayos ang ginagawa nilang panghuhuli.

Sa mga susunod na araw umano ay pagtutuonan naman nila ng pansin ang main road ng Isla.##

- Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan, Energy FM Kalibo

Pagbuo ng Boracay Authority pinag-aaralan parin sa komite ng Senado

photo Darwin Tapayan / Energy FM Kalibo

KALIBO, AKLAN – Pinag-aaralan parin sa komite ng Senado ang panukalang pagbuo ng isang joint national at local authority na permanenteng mamamahala sa Isla ng Boracay.

Sa isang press conference dito sa Kalibo sinabi ni Senadora Cynthia Villar na isa sa mga resulta ng isinagawang imbestigasyon ng joint committees ng Senado.

“Yung amin sa Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources yung creation ng magmamanage ng Boracay,” sabi ni Senator Villar sa kanyang pagbisita dito sa kaarawan ng Ati-atihan.

“Kasi they feel that yung mga management ng mga famous area na ganito na dapat ipreserve should be a join management by the national and by local,” dagdag pa ng Committee Chair on Environment.

“So magki-create tayo ng something like Boracay Authority para yon ang permanenteng magmanage ng Boracay.”

Mababatid na pinangunahan ni Villar ang pagdinig kaugnay sa krisis na kinahaharap ng Isla ng Boracay na nagbunsod sa anim na buwang pagpapasara ng pamahalaang nasyonal dito.##

- Ulat ni Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan, Energy FM Kalibo

Fireworks sa Boracay sa Pasko at Bagong Taon striktong ipinagbabawal ayon sa DOT

newyearseveblog.com photo

Nagpaalala ang Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 sa mga accredited establishment sa Isla ng Boracay na mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang fireworks lalo na ngayong panahon ng Pasko at Bagong Taon.

Ito ang unang isinaad ng DOT 6 batay sa inilabas na advisory araw ng Huwebes, bisperas ng Pasko.

Isa ang fireworks display sa inaabangang atraksiyon sa Isla tuwing panahon ng Pasko at Bagong Taon kaya marami ang nanghihinayang sa pagbabagong ito.

May ilan naman na tanggap na ang patakarang ito ng Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force para mapangalagaan ang Isla.

Nagiging sanhi kasi umano ito ng pagkabulabog ng mga flying foxes o mga uri ng paniki na naninirahan sa Boracay.

Maliban rito pinaalala rin ng DOT 6 na ipinagabawal rin ang mahigpit ring ipinagbabawal ang paninigarilyo o pag-inom sa mga pampublikong lugar.

Bawal rin ang pagkakalat, iligal na droga, sobrang lakas na mga tugtog, mga iligal na istraktura sa loon ng 25+5 easement, commercial sandcastle, pet sa beach area, at  fire dancing.

Umaasa ang kagawaran sa kooperasyon na bawat establisyementon sa Boracay. Sa pinakahuling ulat ng DOT mayroon nang 279 accredited establishment sa Isla.##

- Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan, Energy FM Kalibo

Kapayapaan panawagan ng mga Ati sa Boracay kasunod ng pagtanggap ng mga lupa

KASUNOD NG pagtanggap ng mga lupa sa Isla ng Boracay nanawagan ngayon ng kapayaan ang mga katutubong Ati sa pangambang magdulot ito ng problema sa kanila.

Gabi ng Huwebes ay pormal na tinanggap ng mga kinatawan ng Boracay Ati Tribal Organization ang anim na Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) mula kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para sa kabuuang 3.2 hektarya ng lupa.

"Nawa itong pamamahagi ng lupa ay walang maidulot na problema sa amin sapagkat ang tangi po naming hinihiling ay kapayapaan, pagkakaisa at pagmamahal," ayon kay Delsa Justo, lider ng mga Ati, bahagi ng kanyang response.

Sa isang press conference, sinabi ni Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones na nagkaroon muna ng tensiyon sa ilang lupang ipinamahagi sa mga Ati at may mga nagpapakilalang nagmamay-ari ng mga ito.

Nilinaw naman ng Kalihim na bagaman ang ilan ay may tax declaration ng lupa, hindi umano ito patunay na sila ang may-ari nito. Nanindigan siya na alinsunod sa batas ang buong Isla ng Boracay ay pagmamay-ari ng gobyerno.

Sinabi pa ng DAR Secretary na handa silang sagutin ang mga legal action laban sa kanila.

Samantala, mamahagi rin ng mga binhi at mga tools ang gobyerno sa mga benepisaryo para sa pagpapayabong at paggamit ng lupa para sakahan. May mga training din na ilalaan para sa 44 pamilya na makikinabang sa mga naipamahaging lupa.

"Lubos po ang aming kasiyahan dahil dininig ng Diyos ang aming panalangin na maibalik at maisaayos ang Islang aming pinakamamahal," sabi ni Justo, sa pagpapasalamat sa administrasyong Duterte sa pag-rehabilitate sa Boracay.##

- Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan / Energy Fm 107.7 Kalibo

Boracay rehab efforts to continue even after reopening, says Cimatu

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has assured the rehabilitation efforts in Boracay will continue even after tourism-related activities on the world-famous resort island have resumed.

Cimatu said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will conduct continuous water quality monitoring to make sure Boracay’s waters remain safe for swimming and other recreational activities.

The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (DENR) has installed a state-of-the-art monitoring system that provides real-time data on the water quality around the island, he said.

With an effective monitoring system and strict compliance by all commercial establishments to existing environmental laws and regulations, Cimatu said the public can be assured Boracay will no longer be called a “cesspool.”

According to Cimatu, the DENR will continue to monitor the compliance of establishments with the conditions imposed in their respective environmental compliance certificates (ECCs).

Cimatu said the DENR and other government agencies comprising the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) will also continue to process requirements from non-compliant commercial establishments.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagtanggap ng gobyerno ng application for compliance ng mga establishment,” he said.

Compliance requirements for establishments include the setting up of sewage treatment plants (STPs) or connection to the island’s sewerage system, to make sure only treated wastewater is discharged into the sea.

A day before Boracay’s reopening, the EMB reported that certificates of compliance had already been issued to 717 establishments out of 1,258 in its inventory.

A certificate of compliance allows an establishment to undergo assessment by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and then for accreditation by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

As of October 26, the DOT has allowed 157 hotels and similar establishments to operate, which is equivalent to 7,308 rooms.

The DOT also assured the public that the agency would regularly update its list of accredited establishments, as it continues to implement a “no compliance, no operation” policy on the island.

Meanwhile, Cimatu disclosed that the BIATF is set to recommend chairmanship of the body from the DENR to the DOT, as efforts shift from establishing corrective measures to maintaining laws and regulations for ecotourism sites.##

- DENR

State of the art technologies to be built soon in Boracay Island

The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, represented by its chair, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu expresses its appreciation to Korea Telecom (KT), represented by its vice president Kim Sung-In, for the company’s contribution to the rehabilitation of Boracay island.

KT, in cooperation with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, will establish six state-of-the-art technologies in the island, namely:
 
• high-quality public wi-fi infrastructure particularly along White Beach and in Cagban Port;
• intelligent closed-circuit television cameras that can recognize faces at ports of entry;
• photovoltaic solar panels that can generate about 35,000 kilowatts of electricity annually, as well as a system to help track and manage solar energy generation and consumption;
• a smart school where selected students can learn through a wireless network;
• e-healthcare that uses devices which allow remote and real-time checking of solutions; and
• a central command center.

The certificate of appreciation was given during Boracay’s opening day ceremony at Cagban Jetty Port on October 26. KT is the largest telecommunications company in South Korea. ###

Dating konsehal ng Malay nagpahayag kaugnay ng anomaliya sa fees sa Boracay

NAGLABAS NG pahayag ang dating konsehal ng Malay kaugnay ng kasong isinampa umano sa kanya ng National Bureau of Investigation nitong nakaraang linggo.

Una nang naibalita na ilang mga dati at kasalukuyang opisyal ng nasabing bayan ang sinampahan ng kaso ng NBI dahil sa umano'y anomaliya sa paggamit ng koleksyon ng environment fee sa Boracay.

Ayon sa broadcaster na si Jonathan Cabrera, kasama siya sa mga dating opisyal na sinampahan ng kaso. Handa umano siyang sagutin ang naturang kaso.

Sa kanyang facebook post, ito ang bahagi ng kanyang naging pahayag:

Meron nang Environmental Fee bago pa man ako naging konsehal noong 2010-2013.

Bilang Legislator, wala akong direktang partisipasyon sa koleksyon, pagremit at paggastos nito dahil ito ay nasa Executive departments na functions.

Ginawa ko rin ang oversight function namin dito sa pamamagitan ng pagpuna sa treasury department na dapat icorrect ang mga pagkakamaling nakikita ng Commission on Audit sa kanilang Annual reports at sundin ang mga rekomendasyon nito.

Aktibo rin akong nakibahagi sa mga usapin sa Munisipyo na may kinalaman sa paggastos ng pundo na nanggagaling sa Environmental Fee.

Sa ngayon, hindi ko pa alam kung ano ang specific na kaso na isinampa ng NBI sa akin dahil hindi pa ako nakakatanggap ng kopya nito.

Naniniwala ako sa due process of law at maipapaliwanag ko ang aking sarili sa Ombudsman sa takdang panahon...

Sinabi ni Cabrera na siya umano ang naghanap ng paraan para malaman kung sinu-sino ang mga kinasuhan ng NBI maliban sa kasalukuyan at dating mayor.

Ito ang inilabas niyang mga pangalan ng mga kinasuhan:

Former Mayor John Yap
Mayor Ceciron Cawaling
Former Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito 
Vice Mayor Abram Sualog

Sanggunian Bayan members:
Jupiter Gallanero 
Natalie Paredes
Dante Pagsuguiron 
Floribar Bautista
Danilo delos Santos

Former SB members:
Rowen Aguirre
Jonathan Cabrera
Esel Flores
Leal Gelito
Paterno Sacapaño Jr.
Julieta Aron
Gideon Siñel
Cristina Prado
Mateo Tayco
Roldan Casidsid
Niño de Sullan
Charlie Villanueva

Municipal treasurer Dediosa Dioso at 11 collectors.

MAYOR AT DATING MAYOR NG MALAY SINAMPAHAN NG KASO DAHIL SA “MISUSE OF FEES”

NAGHAIN NG mga kasong graft at malversation ang National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) laban sa dati at kasalukuyang mga opisyal ng Malay.

Ang kaso na inihain sa Office of the Ombudsman nitong Martes ay kasunod umano ng “misuse” sa milyun-milyong koleksyon sa environmental fees mula sa mga turitang bumibisita sa Boracay mula 2009 hanggang 2017.

Kabilang sa mga kinasuhan ay ang suspendidong alkalde na si Ceciron Cawaling, dating mayor John Yap, dating vice mayor Wilbec Gelito at 18 former at incumbent councilors.

Kasama rin sa kinasuhan ang municipal treasurer na si Dediosa Dioso at 11 town collectors.

Base sa report, sinabi ng NBI-National Capital Region, ang koleksiyon umano ng Malay sa environmental at administration fees (EAF) ay ginamit ng hindi wasto.

Nakita ng NBI mula 2012 hanggang 2017 ang discrepancy na Php30,678,920.73 sa report na isinumite ng dalawang treasury officials.

Umabot naman sa Php84,860,570 ang nakitang discrepancy ng NBI sa report na isinumite ng municipal tourism office sa parehong period.

Una nang ikinatwiran ni Cawaling na ang discrepancy sa koleksiyon ng Php75 na environmental fee sa mga turista ay dahil sa mga exemption kagaya kung ang turista ay bata, senior citizen o Aklanon.

Nagsimula ang imbestigasyon ng NBI kasunod ng pagsasara ng Isla ng Boracay noong Abril.##

Gov’t task force bats for casino-free Boracay

PLAYING IN casinos will not count among the recreational activities tourists can look forward to in the newly reopened Boracay Island.

This developed as the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) led by Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has formally requested the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to cancel all gaming franchises and provisional licenses issued in Boracay.

In a letter to PAGCOR chair and chief executive officer Andrea Domingo, the BIATF cited the “pronouncement of President Duterte that no casino shall be allowed in Boracay” in seeking for the cancellation of PAGCOR licenses on the island.

“We shall be grateful for your timely cooperation on this matter for the protection of one of our nation’s most treasured islands,” reads the letter signed by BIATF vice chairs Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on behalf of the task force.

Cimatu aired his continuing objection to the reported plan to build a casino complex in Boracay, which was floated even before the island was closed to tourists in April for a six-month rehabilitation.

He said the BIATF would be firm on enforcing Boracay’s daily carrying capacity with preference to “nature-loving tourists” rather than gamblers.

A study commissioned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed that Boracay has a carrying capacity of 19,000 tourists per day or about 55,000 people including residents, workers and tourists.

“Let us properly use the island for its real purpose—sun, sea and sand so that what we all worked hard for will not go to waste,” Cimatu pointed out.

Prior to the closure of Boracay on April 26, Cimatu has already voiced his opposition to the planned $500 million hotel and casino project of Galaxy Entertainment Group and its local partner Leisure and Resorts World Corp.

“Boracay already has enough hotel rooms. Adding more and filling these with guests will again lead to more trash and more wastewater,” Cimatu explained. “Then, we’re back to square one.”##

OVER 200 BORACAY ESTABLISHMENTS FINED P43M FOR ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS

The Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined 219 business establishments in Boracay a total of P43 million for violation of certain environmental laws.

PAB, a quasi-judicial body charged with adjudicating case
s brought by DENR’s regional offices against violators of environmental laws and regulations, slapped the erring establishments with fines ranging from P10,000 to millions of pesos depending on the length of time and gravity of offenses.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu had emphasized continuing vigilance in monitoring of pollution violations and swift adjudication of cases brought before the Board.

DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia, PAB’s presiding officer, said penalty notices had already been sent to the business owners, who are under obligation to pay the fines.

“We at the DENR believe that anyone who pollutes or destroys the environment must pay the cost for that destruction,” Garcia said.

Garcia said only those who settled the penalties will be allowed to process their permits to operate and discharge permits provided they have not committed other violations.

“The DENR, together with other concerned government agencies, is firm in its resolve to clean not only the waters and air of Boracay and to manage its solid waste. It also wants to clear Boracay of irresponsible and greedy business people who have placed care for the environment their least priority,” Garcia said.

According to Garcia, the rehabilitation efforts will continue even after Boracay has reopened to tourists. “We will continue to monitor all establishments and impose the necessary penalties should they be found breaking laws,” he pointed out.

Of the 209 establishments fined, 110 were found to have violated Section 1, Rule 19 of RA 8749 which requires permit to operate all sources of air pollution from the EMB. Their imposed fines totaled P1.5 million.

Another 72 establishments were fined a total of P2 million for operating facilities that discharge regulated water pollutants without a valid discharge permit, which is required under Section 27(c) of RA 9275.

Five establishments were fined a sum of P39 million for discharging untreated wastewater and exceedance of effluent standards under the clean water law.

For violating some provisions of both RAs 8749 and 9275, 22 establishments were fined a total of P900,000.

All erring establishments were issued notices of violation by the EMB Region 6 soon after Boracay was closed to tourists in April for a six-month rehabilitation from serious environmental damage.

The PAB is mandated to assess fines and issue cease and desist orders to polluting establishments, and specify compliance with the standards violated. DENR regional offices are responsible for implementing PAB’s orders. ##

- DENR

Inter-agency task force hopeful Boracay improvements will be sustained long term

As Boracay is all set for its much-awaited reopening on Friday, government agencies in charge of its rehabilitation are hoping the improved environmental condition of the world-famous resort island will be sustained for the long term.

“It is our fervent hope that the people of Boracay have learned their lesson well and that they are now ready to lead efforts to ensure the sustainability of Boracay as a world-class ecotourism destination,” said Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, head of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF).

Boracay will reopen exactly six months after it was closed to tourists to pave the way for much-needed rehabilitation from serious environmental damage, particularly the concerns that its once-crystal-clear waters have been tainted by sewage and garbage.

Cimatu said that Boracay’s environmental sustainability would depend largely on how its residents, stakeholders and tourists will adhere to the guidelines laid down by the BIATF to protect the island from unsustainable tourism practices.

The environment chief strongly believes that more than the significant improvements and innovations done in Boracay, “a change in the behavior of the people—both the locals and tourists—will bring real change to the island.”

Cimatu expressed hope the BIATF has “successfully laid the foundations for a sustainable Boracay” during the six months the island was under rehabilitation.

Last October 15, Cimatu announced that Boracay waters are already fit for swimming based on the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Prior to reopening, the BIATF has approved a set of guidelines to ensure Boracay’s environment will be sustained and protected from the expected massive influx of local and foreign tourists.

The guidelines include a regulation on tourist arrivals and number of persons allowed to stay in Boracay, in accordance with the island’s carrying capacity.

A study conducted by the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños revealed that the island’s daily carrying capacity is 54,945—19,215 tourists and 35,730 non-tourists, which refer to residents, migrants and stay-in workers.

Meanwhile, DENR Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor said that among the highlights of the reopening will be the unveiling of the so-called “Boracay icon” and inauguration of the reconstructed main road.

Rigor said the “reopening ceremony” will take place at Cagban Jetty Port in Barangay Manoc-manoc.
“Cagban jetty port is the main gateway to Boracay. It is only fitting that the ceremonies marking the reopening will take place here, as a symbol of the island welcoming visitors once again to enjoy its natural beauty,” he said.

A prominent marker in Cagban port constitutes of the word “Boracay” with a 50-foot vertical garden and backdrop of the “Boracay icon,” a phrase coined by the task force to refer to an image that the island is well known for.

The marker, Rigor said, would be a “fitting symbol showcasing the ‘new’ Boracay that has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the government and the island’s stakeholders.”

According to the DENR official, the sheer size of the Boracay icon makes it visible as a welcome sign to ferry passengers approaching the mainland.

Another highlight of the opening will be the inauguration of the rehabilitated main road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to be led by Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The 4.1-km road stretches from the Cagban port to the Elizalde property in Station 1.

Environmental warriors will also take their oaths as part of the “Kaligkasan” community multipliers group during the ceremony.

The Kaligkasan, a combination of the words “kaligtasan” (safety) and “kalikasan” (nature), will augment government personnel in enforcing environmental laws and regulations on the island.

Along with the island’s rehabilitation is the improvement of Cagban port’s facilities. Among these is the renovation of the jetty itself, as well as the construction of a rotunda where vehicles can drop off passengers purchasing tickets or leaving the island.

A walkway leading to the main road has also been constructed as a separate path for people entering the island.

Puyat welcomes ‘Better’ Boracay, calls for responsible tourism

Tourism Chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat urges visitors to respect and observe local regulations to help protect and preserve Boracay Island.

Puyat made the appeal during the much-awaited reopening of the island, stressing the importance of a collective effort from the island’s residents and its visitors alike.

“As we welcome a Better Boracay, the Department of Tourism urges everyone to be responsible tourists. It is the key to the preservation of this national treasure,” says Puyat.

The first phase of the rehabilitation, which covers the moratorium on tourism activities since April 26, 2018, addressed the extreme environmental degradation, particularly seawater pollution and illegal encroachment, in beach easement areas.

“During the dry run, about a week ago, people would come up to the members of the BIATF and tell us, “This shoreline, the beachfront we are seeing now, this is the Boracay we fell in love with 30 years ago,” enthused Puyat.

Puyat ensured that there will be a strict enforcement of existing guidelines and policies such as the ordinance prohibiting the drinking of alcohol and smoking in public places, no partying within the no-build zone easement, regulation of sand castle-making, and prohibition of open fires and use of kerosene gas/fuel lamps.

“The Boracay experience is the ultimate lesson in balancing development and protecting the environment. The lessons learned here are not for Boracay alone but also for the other island destinations around our beautiful country,” added the tourism chief.

Meanwhile, Puyat clarified that while the BIATF will enforce a limitation on the number of tourists allowed in the island, currently pegged at 19,215 guests per day, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue to accredit compliant accommodation establishments that pass the standards of the agency.

“More rooms will be available as we continue on with Phases 2 and 3 of Boracay’s massive rehabilitation. We are making sure the Task Force requirements are 100% complied with,” said Puyat.##

photo: Members of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force and the local stakeholders join hands in front of the Boracay icon, the symbol of the new and ‘better’ Boracay. 

- DOT

Pres. Duterte is pleased with what has happened in Boracay

Salvador S. Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel releases statement on the re-opening of Boracay:

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is pleased with what has happened in Boracay.

Boracay is a lesson of political will, as exhibited by PRRD and yet, it is also a lesson of neglect, misfeasance and malfeasance by responsible persons in office. The cesspool that was Boracay would not have happened if political will was exhibited by those in authority and if only officials of the island paradise, as well as the stakeholders, operated following the law and the rules and regulations of pertinent government agencies.

It has to take the strong and decisive leadership of the President to put things in order and we should all learn from these lessons so that Boracay will become an attraction not only in this country but in the world.

We commend the different Departments for the evolution and development of Boracay, as well as the patience and cooperation of everyone.##

Cimatu: much achieved, but more needs to be done to rehabilitate Boracay

Despite visible improvements, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said a lot more needs to be done to completely rehabilitate and ensure the sustainability of the world-famous Boracay Island.

Cimatu said that while the resort island is “no longer a cesspool,” there is no reason for government and other stakeholders to be complacent.

“This is not the time for us to relax and lower our guards,” Cimatu said on the first day of the 11-day dry run for the much-awaited reopening of Boracay later this month.

“While much has been gained already, still a lot remains to be done and we still ask for your extended patience, support and understanding,” he added.

Cimatu, who heads the inter-agency task force in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation, cited the ongoing road and drainage improvement projects, which were delayed due to successive typhoons.

“We lost about 30 to 40 days of work but we will be able to compensate for this and finish the drainage system,” Cimatu explained.

The environment chief said that all projects will continue even after Boracay’s soft opening slated for October 26.

“Rehabilitation will continue after October 26. We are just in Phase 1,” he stressed.

Cimatu led other officials of government agencies involved in the rehabilitation of Boracay in welcoming Aklanons who were the first guests in the newly- rehabilitated island which he described as a “better Boracay”.

Boracay, he said, was no longer a cesspool and tourists can once again enjoy its pristine waters.
He gladly announced that Boracay waters are already fit for swimming based on the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“We offer to you now a better Boracay,” Cimatu said. “Boracay beaches are now a sight to behold and the entire island will even be grander in the near future.”

Famous for its powdery white sand, pristine blue waters and amazing sunsets, Boracay has been named several times as one of the best beaches in the world.

But on April 26, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation No. 475 ordering the closure of Boracay to tourists for six months to pave the way for its rehabilitation from environmental damage caused by overdevelopment.##

DENR wants full force of law vs Boracay litterbugs

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is aghast over the trash found on Boracay’s beachfront during the first day of the reopening dry run that it wants the full force of the law applied against litterbugs.

DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU Concerns Benny Antiporda said that adopting a “zero tolerance policy” against litterbugs is the best way to prevent littering problems on the island.

He said that being compliant means "nagmamahal kayo sa ating kalikasan, at yun ang gusto namin palakasin."

The DENR official issued the statement after meeting with Compliant Association of Boracay (CAB), a newly established group whose members include owners of hotels, resorts, retail shops and restaurants.

Antiporda also announced that the DENR and other government agencies in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation are amenable to CAB’s proposal to designate its pollution officers as “marshals” so they can have authority to go after litterbugs.

"We will talk with the local police so that you can do your obligation to your country to protect the environment," Antiporda told CAB members during the meeting.

He also enjoined them to use their social media accounts to come up with a joint statement to remind people to be responsible.

The DENR, he said, is also encouraging citizen’s arrest for litterbugs.

The CAB had earlier written DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu requesting that their pollution officers be deputized as “Boracay marshals” to police public areas on the island.

As marshals, the CAB said their pollution officers would be on the lookout for litterers and “shall remind the public to dispose of the trash properly.”

It added that “should the erring public refuse to cooperate, the marshalls may be the personal details of the individual(s) and endorse to policing agencies in Boracay.”

Antiporda reminded the public that under the Anti-Littering Law, littering is a criminal offense and violators could face a fine or render community service from eight to 16 hours.

He noted that under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishments are required to designate a pollution control officer who shall ensure compliance with the law, among others.

Photos of discarded trash along Boracay’s famous White Beach went viral on social media recently. They were taken just hours after Boracay was opened to local tourists for the 11-day dry run for Boracay’s soft opening slated for October 26, 2018.##

- DENR

HENANN GROUP OF RESORTS NAGBOOK NA NG MGA TURISTA KAHIT HINDI PA COMPLIANT AYON SA DENR

NALAMANG NAGBO-BOOK na ng mga turista ang Henann Group of Resorts sa Isla ng Boracay sa kabila na hindi pa ito accredited ng Department of Tourism.

Ito ang pinahayag ni Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) USec. Benny Antiporda sa isang press conference umaga ngayong Biyernes sa Isla.

Ayon kay Antiporda, hawak na nila ang reklamo ng turista na nagbook sa nasabing resort sa pamamagitan ng Agoda. Aniya ayaw umanong ibalik ng resort ang perang ibinayad ng turista.

Mahigpit ang panawagan noon ng Inter-Agency Task Force na tanging ang mga compliant establishments lamang sa Isla ang maaaring magbook ng mga turista.

Sa pinakahuling listahan na inilabas umabot na 68 accommodation establishment ang accredited ng DOT. Hindi kasama rito ang alinman sa limang resort ng Henann.

Kamakailan lang ay nabisto ng Inter-Agency Task Force na peke ang isinumiteng Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) sa Department of Tourism (DOT) para sa accreditation.

Ayon kay Antiporda wala pang Sewerage Treatment Plant ang group of resort, isang requirement para mabigyan sila ng panibagong ECC.

Nanawagan ngayon si Antiporda sa iba pang mga turista na nagbook at nagbayad sa mga resort ng Henann na magreklamo sa Inter-Agency Task Force.

Una nang nagbabala ang Task Force na ang mga non-compliant establishment na malalamang nagbo-book ng mga turista ay posibleng maharap sa kaukulang penalidad.##

-Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan/ Energy Fm 107.7 Kalibo

MAS PINAGANDANG CAGBAN PORT BUBUNGAD SA MGA TURISTA SA PAGBUBUKAS NG ISLA NG BORACAY

ISANG MAS pinagandang Cagban Jetty Port ang sasalubong sa mga turista sa pagbubukas ng Isla ng Boracay sa darating na Oktobre 26.

Ayon kay Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) USec. Benny Antiporda, magiging highlight ng Boracay Soft Opening ang ribbon cutting ng bagong mukha ng port.

Sa isang pagkakataon, ipinasilip ni Caticlan-Cagban Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang sa Energy FM Kalibo ang pagpapaganda at pagsasaayos ng nabanggit na port isang linggo bago ang Boracay Opening.

Binawalan muna ni Maquirang ang mga media na kunan ng litrato at video ang jetty port. Nais kasi ng provincial government at ng Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force na maging supresa ito.

Ilan sa mga pagbabago ng port ay ang mas malawak na entrance exit ng mga sasakyan. May mga solar panel narin na ikinabit sa port na siyang magiging source ng kuryente sa buong port.

Pagpasok ng mga turista sa port ay bubungad sa kanila ang malaking pangalang "Boracay" at malaking billboard na nagpapakita ng bagong mukha ng Isla.

Ayon kay Maquirang posibleng gamitin na ang port simula Oktobre 26.##

-Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan/ Energy Fm 107.7 Kalibo

HENANN HINILING SA DENR NA PAYAGAN MAG-OPERATE KAHIT HINDI PA ACCREDITED

TINANGGIHAN NG Department of Environment and Natural Resources o DENR ang hiling ng Henann Group of Resorts sa Isla ng Boracay na mag-operate kahit hindi pa accredited.

Ayon kay DENR USec. Benny Antiporda, hiniling umano ng may-ari na si Henry Chosuey na payagan silang mag-operate habang ikino-comply palang nila ang mga dokumento para sa accreditation.

Nahaharap ngayon sa kontrobersiya at imbestigasyon ang group of resorts dahil sa pagsusumite ng pekeng Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) sa Department of Tourism (DOT).

Mababatid na sa inilabas na 68 accredited accomodation establishment sa Boracay ng Department of Tourism, hindi kasama rito ang alinman sa limang resort ng Henann.

Ayon kay Antiporda, kinausap umano niya ng personal ang tauhan ng Henann na nagsumite ng pekeng ECC. Paliwanag umano nito, na-excite lang siya nang makita ang ECC sa kanyang mesa at agad ipinasa sa DOT para mabigyan na ng akreditasyon.

Nabatid na handwritten lamang ang petsa sa ECC kesa sa karaniwan na itinatatak. Humingi naman umano ng paumanhin ang tauhang ito ng Hennan.

Aniya wala pa umanong Sewerage Treatment Plant ang group of resorts. Ipagpapatuloy pa ng Inter-Agency Task Force ang imbestigasyon sa kaso titingnan kung mayroon din silang pagkukulang.##

-Kasimanwang Darwin Tapayan/ Energy Fm 107.7 Kalibo

DENR: HUWAG PANSININ ANG PETISYON NA TUMUTUTOL SA MGA PATAKARANG IPINATUTUPAD NG BORACY INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE

Huwag pansinin. Ito ang tugon ni Department of Environment and Natural Resources USec. Benny Antiporda sa petisyong kumakalat ngayon sa Isla ng Boracay.

Sa isang press conference umaga ng Biyernes, sinabi ni Antiporda hindi umano nila kinikilala ang mga nagrereklamong non-compliant establishment bilang mga stakeholders sa Boracay.

Binigyang diin ni Antiporda na sumunod nalang ang mga ito sa ipinatutupad na batas dahil nagawa rin naman ng iba na sumunod at maging compliant.

Nabatid na bumuo na ng organisasyon ang mga compliant establishment sa Boracay para may kumatawan sa mga pagpupulong ng Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force.

Mababatid na kumukalat ngayon sa social media ang umano'y petisyon na nanawagan sa lokal na pamahalaan na tutulan ang ilang patakarang ipinatutupad ng Task Force.##

Task force ready to fix problems as dry run puts govt interventions in Boracay to the test—Cimatu

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has assured that the government was prepared to address all problems that might occur during the 11-day dry run for the reopening of the world famous Boracay Island.

Cimatu said the government policies and interventions intended to protect Boracay from unsustainable tourism activities will be put to the test during the dry run, which started on Monday and will last until October 25.

“The point of the dry run is to ensure that everything will run smoothly during the soft opening on October 26,” said Cimatu, who heads the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation.

While the dry run got off to a good start, Cimatu said the BIATF would know on the third day whether the government interventions really work.

“We will only see the effects and results of all these interventions on the third day after tourist arrivals,” he said.

Cimatu said the BIATF would “not allow the rehabilitation efforts done in the past six months go to waste.”

He particularly cited the “environmental interventions” that has made Boracay “no longer a cesspool,” which was how President Rodrigo Duterte described it before the island was ordered closed to tourists in April.

“As you may have observed, there has been not only a visible improvement in water quality. Tests done by the EMB (Environmental Management Bureau) revealed that the coliform level is now down to 18.1 MPN/100 mL from thousands or even millions in some areas of the island’s waters prior to closing,” Cimatu said.

The standard coliform level is 100 most probable number per 100 milliliters of sample.

Cimatu said the EMB, a line bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will continue to check the quality of water discharged from sewage treatment plants (STPs) on the island.

He said that solid waste disposal will also be looked into in order to make sure Boracay’s garbage are “immediately moved out and not remain on the island for more than 24 hours.”

Cimatu insisted that only establishments compliant with the requirements of the DENR, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism are allowed to reopen and operate.

The DENR, he said, will only issue environmental compliance certificate (ECC) to businesses with own STPs or connected to a provider, and those not within forestlands or wetlands.

Cimatu said that tourist arrival of 6,405 persons per day will be strictly followed.

Only a total of 1,000 rooms from accredited hotels will be available for booking at any time during the day, Cimatu said.

“The BIATF is firm on 100% compliance. If you do not comply, you do not operate," Cimatu stressed.
He added: More than all these, a change in the behavior of the people—the locals and the tourists—will bring real change to Boracay.”

- DENR