DENR: Almost all forestlands on Boracay occupied, have claimants

BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN — Almost all areas classified as forest lands on Boracay Island already have structures or are being claimed by private individuals, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a public hearing of the House committee on natural resources held here on Friday, DENR officials said removing illegal structures, including houses on wetlands, remained a key priority before the island could be re-opened to tourists.

At least 895 illegal structures have been identified in forest lands, including in nine wetlands on the island.

Of the number, 208 have been served notices of violation and notices to vacate.

Under Presidential Proclamation 1064 issued by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 377.68 hectares of land in Boracay were classified as forest lands, while 628.96 ha were categorized as alienable and disposable, which could be subjected for privatization.

The DENR is clearing illegal structures in the nine wetlands but the demolition of houses of residents have been put on hold while a relocation site was still being identified.

Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores said it would take more than six months to identify and prepare a relocation site for those to be removed from the wetlands.

Most of the wetlands have been partially or totally covered by debris or reclaimed, or structures, including houses, built over them.

Tests conducted by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau showed almost all of the wetlands have coliform bacteria level significantly higher than the acceptable standards.

DENR Undersecretary Ernest Adobo said “there will be no compromise” on the clearing of wetlands because illegal settlers are major contributors to water pollution.

The DENR reported accomplishments in the clearing of structures encroaching on the 12-meter road easements.

In Barangay Manoc-Manoc, 204 of the 235 illegal structures along the road have been cleared mostly through self-demolition.

Along the main road in Barangay Balabag, 85 of the 171 illegal structures have been demolished.

In Yapak, 96 of 173 illegal structures have been removed.