Solon asks DENR to identify Boracay’s total carrying capacity

Fearing that overpopulation is behind Boracay’s degradation, Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to identify the carrying capacity of the resort island.

“Ang pinaka-malaking kasi nating problema kasi natin is the carrying capacity and the sewerage system,” Teves said during a hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources on the structures reportedly built on Boracay on Wednesday.

“Carrying capacity includes everybody, not only tourists, includes the whole populace,” he added.

Teves made the request after he asked Boracay Island Water Company General Manager Joseph Michael Santos if he knows the capacity of Boracay.  Santos was unable to give a definite number, drawing the ire of the lawmaker.

“I will ask of that from the DENR, Secretary (Roy Cimatu).  We need to establish the carrying capacity of the island,” the lawmaker said.

However, DENR Assistant Secretary Cora Davis told Teves that the department has a data of the allowable number of people swimming in the island per day.

“Twelve thousand persons can be allowed to swim in the island, with a space of 15 square meter per person,” Davis said.

Teves added that DENR should ensure that the total number available rooms in hotels and resorts in Boracay should not exceed the population limit of the area.

“The total number of rooms for the whole island should not be more than the carrying capacity.  Mag-excess lang ‘yan ng isang kwarto kapag fully booked ang lahat, you are already exceeding,” he said.

“Again, we are destroying the island,” he added.

He also suggested that a biometrics system be created for Boracay tourists, where a database would regulate the number of people who will be allowed entry to the island.

“I would like to suggest that we do e-registration on the mainland.  Pag dating mo sa island, biometrics.  Kung lagpas na, ‘wag na muna papasukin,” Teves said.  /muf