Boracay rehab new beginning of ‘radical reforms’: Duterte

“Environmental protection and ensuring the health of our people cannot be overemphasized; thus, our actions in Boracay mark the beginning of a new national effort,” Duterte said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). (Shutterstock)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said the Boracay rehabilitation was just the beginning of the radical reforms he intends to impose, as part of his administration’s campaign to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources.

“Environmental protection and ensuring the health of our people cannot be overemphasized; thus, our actions in Boracay mark the beginning of a new national effort,” Duterte said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Duterte has reiterated his commitment not to allow the deterioration not only of the famous beach destination, but other tourist spots in the country as well.

“I could not allow this decay to continue; decisive action has long been overdue. Recognizing that we are mere stewards of our natural resources, and I said enough is enough,” Duterte said.

“We intend to restore its environmental integrity, alongside measures to alleviate those whose livelihood was momentarily affected,” he added.

He said Boracay Island, which he once described as ‘cesspool,’ has sadly become the representation of the government’s negligence “including mine”.

Thus, the popular Filipino leader encouraged local government units to proactively enforce all environmental laws “and not wait for us to swoop down on your areas just to do your duty and work”.

“For the other tourist destinations needing urgent rehabilitation and enforcement of environmental and other laws shall soon follow,” Duterte said.

Duterte said what is being done to Boracay is also an indication of the long-overdue need for holistic and sustainable utilization, management and developing of the country’s lands.

With this, the President urged the Senate to urgently pass the National Land Use Act “to put in place a national land use policy that will address our competing land requirements for food, housing, businesses, and environmental conservation”.

Duterte warned “irresponsible miners” to stop destroying the country’s rich natural resources particularly watersheds, forests and aquatic resources

“To the mining industry, I say this once again and maybe for the last time, do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources; repair what you have mismanaged,” he said.

“Extracted resources must be used for the benefit of the Filipino people, not just a select few.

Do not just give me taxes. I can get it from other sources. Give me what needs to be given to my countrymen,” he added.

Banning open pit mining

Duterte reiterated his plans to impose “restrictive policies” including the prohibition of open pit mining.

“It is destroying my country. It is destroying the environment. It will destroy the world of tomorrow for our children,” he said.

“Expect reforms, radical ones. I cannot intend to quarrel with anybody, with the moneyed, but for as long as I am here I said: you will just have to contend with me,” he added.

He exhorted all concerned agencies and local government units to uphold the concept of inter-generational responsibility in the exploration and utilization of the country’s natural resources and wealth.