By Paulo Loreto Lim

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo recently proposed a “heritage law” as a method of protecting resort destination Boracay, which has been under scrutiny lately after President Rodrigo Duterte referred to the locale as a “cesspool” and ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to get a handle of the ongoing pollution problem in six months or risk being shut down.

“A tourism heritage law will be more effective in ensuring the preservation and protection, not only of Boracay Island and its seawaters, but all of the country’s natural tourist destinations,” said the cabinet official.

“All is not lost for Boracay Island, and we owe [it] our guests,” DOT Undersecretary Katherine De Castro added. “This government is taking measures to protect this paradise.”

The DOT, DENR, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently met to discuss the ongoing situation, with DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu saying his agency would continue to crackdown on those violating environmental law.

According to recent reports, it was found over 60 establishments have been caught dumping untreated sewage water into the ocean.

Towards the beginning of the DENR probe into the local pollution situation, around 300 closure notices were issued to various business establishments on the island; along with 51 violation notices, claiming certain businesses were non-compliant with RA 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

The findings contradicted initial statements released by the Boracay Foundation Incorporated, which responded to the president’s claims by calling him “misinformed,” noting, “Most of the island’s business establishments are strictly in compliance with prevailing ordinances and regulations.”/PLL, WDJ