DENR exec: Habitat dev’t may endanger Boracay cave networks, species

Boracay Island: overcrowded beaches.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

More than 100 cave networks in Boracay are in danger of collapsing if the proposed establishment of critical habitats would push through, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Wednesday.

Theresa Mundita Lim, DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau director, said that in a recent study conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, it showed that a total of 142 cave networks were found on the island.

She said that if these caves would be affected by the proposed establishment of critical habitats, the 142 cave networks might collapse.

“That’s why we need to be more careful kasi baka yung mga development natin diyan, eh magalaw mo yung mga cave network na yan and pwede yoon mag collapse, [because of these developments they might affect the cave network, which may collapse],” Lim said during a press briefing.

She also said that the caves found in Boracay serve as hosts to some species that could only live in these types of environment.

“If you destroy the cave, actually you can make the species that survived there extinct,” Lim said.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved on April 4 the total closure of Boracay island for six months to give way on the rehabilitation program. /jpv

READ: Duterte approves 6-month closure of Boracay, starting April 26