WHAT WENT BEFORE
In November 2009, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) approved a P1-billion reclamation project in Caticlan, jump-off point from mainland Aklan to Boracay, the country’s prime tourist destination.
The 10-year project will cover 36.82 hectares in Caticlan, a barangay in Malay town and 3.18 ha in Boracay. It involves the expansion and improvement of the Caticlan jetty port and the setting up of adjacent commercial buildings, including hotels, wellness centers and office spaces for resorts, travel agencies, airlines, banks and other business establishments.
In December 2009, the provincial government signed an agreement with Local Government Unit Guarantee Corp. and Philippine National Bank Trust Banking Corp., which will undertake the bond flotation to raise money for Phase 1 of the project.
Gov. Carlito Marquez said the project was in preparation for increased tourist arrivals to Boracay, targeted to reach one million yearly by 2013.
On April 27, 2010, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources granted an environmental compliance certificate to the project.
But in late July 2010, the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI), a group of around 200 business owners on the island, issued a resolution expressing “strong opposition” to the project, citing environmental concerns and a lack of adequate consultation on affected areas and communities.
The BFI also expressed fears that the development might directly compete with businesses on the island.
It was joined by the Boracay chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the municipal government of Malay and the barangay of Caticlan.
In September 2010, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said it agreed to a suggestion from the BFI to commission an oceanographical study assessing the effects of the reclamation project.
But Marquez and the rest of the provincial board members were bent on pursuing the project, which, he said, would abide by environmental laws and guidelines. The governor explained that the project would even “complement and enhance” business activities on the island rather than pose new competition.
In a letter to Marquez dated Oct. 19, 2010, the PRA said the province could proceed, upon submission of additional documents, with Phase 1 of the project, which was estimated to cost P260 million.
On Nov. 23-25, 2010, a group of marine scientists from the University of the Philippines conducted DOT-funded field studies and tests in Caticlan and Boracay.
In a 17-page report released in March this year, the scientists said the project “should be avoided” for it could alter water current patterns and increase the volume of sediments swept toward Boracay. They warned that such changes could eventually smother and kill nearby coral reefs—the very source of the island’s famous white sand.
Marquez said the provincial government would consider the results and recommendations of the study, but maintained that it did not warrant a stop to the project, Phase 1 of which had already begun in December. Eliza Victoria, Inquirer Research
Source: Inquirer Archives
