The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it will strengthen its compliance monitoring on business establishments in Boracay as more tourists are expected in the island in the coming months.
In the March 18 Laging Handa briefing, DENR acting Secretary Jim Sampulna said they have already instructed their research sector to study and determine the cause of the presence of green algae in Boracay beach waters.
“Sabi nila (researchers), mayroon – because of phosphate, itong sabing ginagamit sa sabon. Lumalapit daw sila sa sabon. Possible na rin na ganoon,” he said, noting that algae levels have already declined “according to a report.”
“But ang ipinagtataka ko doon sa Carabao Island na wala namang gumagamit ng sabon doon, mayroon din silang algae doon sa kabila. There could be another thing, there could be another reason kung bakit lumalabas ang mga algae na ‘to,” he added.
The official said Boracay’s waters remain clean, and that the problem of fecal coliform can be prevented through proper implementation of the island’s carrying capacity.
“Sa pag-aaral natin, dapat may limitasyon lang ang dami ng taong papasok sa Boracay at a given time, para sa ganoon ma-manage natin ang problemang environmental sa Boracay,” he said.
“Kung papasok diyan na para bang kuwan na, wala na tayong control, talagang magkakaproblema tayo,” he added.
The DENR said they will continue to maintain the island’s cleanliness through disciplined establishments and tourists. Non-compliant establishments may also face closure. -AG-rir
