DILG exec: More Boracay structures to be demolished to start rehab

Workers tear concrete structures built on top of rock formations at the Boracay Westcove resort INQUIRER Visayaas / Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

An official from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned on Sunday that many establishments in Boracay would be affected by the proposed rehabilitation program of the government.

DILG Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs Epimaco Densing III said that a lot of businesses and establishments on Boracay Island’s affected areas would be demolished in order to solve the sewage problems.

“Huwag muna tayo magpapasok ng mga turista whether local or foreign para maayos talaga kasi maraming babak-bakin,” Densing said during a forum at Annabel’s restaurant in Quezon City.

(We should temporarily not allow the entry of tourists, whether local or foreign, so we can rearrange the island because there are indeed a lot of establishments to be demolished.)

“I tell you there will be a lot of structures which will be dismantled and destroyed,” Densing added.

The proposed 60 day closure of the famous tourist destination aims to restore the beauty of the island after problems concerning proper sewage system arise.

Interior Officer-in-Charge Sec. Eduardo Año earlier said that the department was also considering to declare Boracay under the state of calamity for six months for the government to track the rehabilitation progress.

“It’s one of the options we’re considering because there is concern that the plan to rehabilitate Boracay Island cannot be achieved under normal circumstances, meaning when normal commercial activities are in operation,” Año said in a statement. /jpv

RELATED STORY

60-day shutdown of Boracay businesses pushed