200 illegal structures face demolition in Boracay

ILOILO CITY—More than 200 illegal structures on Boracay Island, Aklan, will be dismantled within the year by a multiagency task force, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Notices of violation will be issued starting in March to resorts, hotels, residences and other structures violating building and environmental laws and regulations, said Tourism Regional Director Helen Catalbas.

Catalbas heads the regional interagency technical working group tasked with addressing developmental issues in Boracay. Aside from the DOT, the group also includes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Justice.

“We are working out a win-win solution that will make Boracay a better place to visit and invest in. As a result, more tourists will enjoy the island and visit it more often,” Catalbas told the Inquirer on Thursday.

The technical work group has identified more than 200 government structures, commercial establishments and residential buildings that are violating the 30-meter easement and other environmental laws and regulations.

Catalbas said authorities hoped to complete the removal of the illegal structures by September this year.

But she said due process would be followed and owners of the structures would be given “ample opportunity” to voluntary remove portions of their property that are violating rules and laws.

“This is going to be done to preserve Boracay for the next generation,” Catalbas said.

Consultations with occupants of the illegal structures will be conducted on Jan. 16 to 17 in Boracay as a prelude to the issuance of notices of violation.

“It would be better if the owners would do it voluntarily. The government can help with the dismantling but it will be charged to the owners,” Catalbas said.

She said many of the structures for demolition were temporary and could be easily removed.

“Many of the owners of these structures have also expressed willingness to remove the structures themselves. They only want an assurance that there will be no exemptions and the rules and laws will be implemented fairly,” she said.

The 1,032-hectare island-resort remains the country’s top island destination, attracting 1.2 million tourists last year.

But years of unregulated development triggered by the tourism boom and lax enforcement of environmental laws and regulations has resulted in overcrowding and environmental problems.