By Paulo Loreto Lim

A total of 30 structures, primarily souvenir and refreshment stands, along Boracay’s Puka Beach were recently demolished by the Malay municipal government which has jurisdiction over the resort destination.

According to the local government, the establishments were in violation of shoreline easement policies.

Last month, after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified over 300 establishments in violation of the easement policy, which requires establishments be built at least 30 meters away from the shoreline easement, or 30 meters from the shoreline high-water mark, the Malay municipal government vowed to demolish such illegal structures.

Prior to demolition, owners were served a notice informing them of the policies they have violated.

Recently, the Department of Labor and Employment-Region VI (DOLE-6) said they are providing livelihood assistance for displaced workers, along with looking into organizing a job fair./PLL, WDJ