Six-month Boracay clean-up target ‘doable’

FILE: Cimatu said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) crackdown will continue until pollution problem in Boracay is addressed. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s order to clean up top tourist destination Boracay Island can be done within the six-month period.

“That target is doable,” said National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) Secretariat Executive Director Eligio Ildefonso.

Ildefonso noted that the cooperation of stakeholders in the popular resort island to curb pollution would be key in cleaning it up within the specified period.

“NSWMC personnel were able to clear a dumpsite there in less than a month last year so more can be done if everyone in Boracay will help clean up and avoid worsening pollution in that island,” he said.

Ildefonso raised urgency for a quick action in cleaning up the island, saying he observed solid wastes along parts of Boracay’s shores during low tide.

He reiterated the need for Boracay establishments’ connection to proper waste disposal and treatment facilities so pollution in the island can decrease.

Earlier, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu said the agency would spearhead Boracay Island’s transformation. The agency reported issuing notices of violation to 51 establishments there for not complying with RA 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004). The law requires all commercial and residential establishments to dispose septic waste through a treatment facility, noted DENR.

Ildefonso reminded local government units anew to comply with the country’s environmental regulations. LGUs nationwide are primarily responsible for environmental compliance in respective areas of jurisdiction, he added.