Binay wants Boracay folk to help maintain the resort island

Two boys take a dip in waters of Boracay plagued with algal blooms in March 2017. Researchers say the algae feeds on human waste coming from nearby establishments.  INQUIRER FILE / JILSON SECKLER TIU

Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government of Malay, Aklan, to organize citizens’ teams that would help oversee and rehabilitate the world-famous island of Boracay.

“Hinihimok ko ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at ang bayan ng Malay na magbuo ng citizens’ teams upang maging katuwang sa pagmonitor at pangangalaga ng Boracay,” Binay, who chairs the Senate committee on tourism, said in a statement.

“Seryosong bagay ito. Boracay has been in an abusive relationship with humans. It’s about time for her to say, tama na!”Binay said.

President Rodrigo Duterte recently threatened to close the island as its garbage and sewage problems posed a threat to the health of tourists.

READ: Cesspool’ tag upsets Boracay residents

Binay said the formation of long-term teams composed of residents, non-government and civic organizations, marine scientists, as well as other stakeholders can add value to the work of the task force assigned to clean up Boracay.

“Kasama sa gawain ng citizen team na ito ay ang pagseguro na sinusunod at napapanatili ang pinakamataas na environmental standards sa Boracay. It will help the DENR and the LGU monitor and execute measures to prevent all kinds of pollution that impact the environment,” Binay said.

“They will also serve as the eyes and ears, and periodically check that the president’s list of things to do is done,” she added.

Citing international tourist publications and government data, Binay said Boracay consistently ranked among the best islands in the world, with about two million visitors in 2017.

It is also estimated that Boracay brings in P50 billion in annual tourism receipts, she added.

Last year, she also filed Senate Resolution No. 313, urging the body to conduct an inquiry to promote a zero tourism waste policy on the island. /cbb