DENR: Boracay’s foundation shaky

Mansions and resorts are fighting for precious space in Boracay Island, taking toll on its ecology. (Tara Yap photo)

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

BORACAY Island is literally standing on a weak foundation, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office.

In a news release, the DENR said it is studying the carrying capacity of the island resort after “some scientific divers claimed that the island is sitting on a mushroom type of foundation below the water and is located within the earthquake fault.”

“At any given time, when nature leashes its fury, Boracay Island would not be an exception. That is why extra care should be considered in maintaining its ecological balance and environmental capacity,” the DENR said.

The DENR chief also observed big mansions constructed on limestone portions of the forest.

Atienza said these are very dangerous since the porous limestone might collapse under the heavy weight of the buildings.

“Too much crowding of establishments may redound to destruction of its pristine beauty like white sand, clear waters, and green forest zones,” he said.

Atienza said the six-month moratorium is necessary given the environmental issues hounding Boracay Island that needs government action.

Among the problems the DENR discovered in the island are “ineffective solid waste management, inadequate drainage, sewage and sewerage facilities, air and water pollution, unabated building construction.”

In his letter to Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay, Aklan, Atienza said the problems “indicate an unsustainable development, which means that economic returns generated are short-term in nature and may, in the end, result in the economic collapse of Boracay”.

The DENR urged Cawaling to impose the moratorium for six months while they craft a master plan for the island’s development.

Citing provisions of the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code, Atienza said the local governments and the DENR have the responsibility “to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest, and other resources of the country.”

The DENR said the moratorium does not mean that there will be developments in Boracay.

“As soon as the proper Environmental Master Plan is drawn, the moratorium shall be lifted and the development shall be properly done in accordance with proper environmental rules put in place.”

DENR Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio said they have created a Technical Working Group that will prepare the Environmental Master Plan for Boracay.

The group will also coordinate with the local governments of Aklan, Malay, and Boracay. The Department of Tourism and all stakeholders in the island will also participate in the drafting of the masterplan.