Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque discussed the Boracay Drainage Improvement Project, which seeks to mitigate flooding at the resort destination and redirect drainage facilities, and forecasted the completion of the project’s Phase II in 2020.

According to Roque, the second phase seeks to divert treated drainage water to the area’s Sitio Lugutan. Pipelines currently flow to Bulabog beach, which was the subject of a petition last year, following the presence of green algae at the said beach.

Jay Garmino, who created the petition, said, “This unsustainable tourism development contributes to coastal and ecological degradation, social and cultural dislocation, rapid growth of island population, rampant solid waste disposal, and increasing numbers of [the] illegal connection of sewage disposal.”

Earlier this month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) speculated the said project would be completed next year.

DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo also announced an additional allocation of P400 million for the project, on top of the P760 million provided last year.

Following Tropical Storm Urduja, which struck the island last month, 90 percent of the area was reportedly flooded, leaving thousands stranded.

Flights in and out of Caticlan Airport were also cancelled after the terminal experienced flooding./PLL, WDJ