DoT seeks ways to ease impact of Boracay reclamation project
BY NESTOR P. BURGOS, JR. / Inquirer

The Department of Tourism is pushing for mitigating measures to address the possible impact on Boracay Island of a P1-billion reclamation project being implemented at the jump-off point to the island-resort.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the mitigating measures should be put in place to address the concerns raised by University of the Philippines marine scientists on the impact of the project on the island’'s famed white beach.
The scientists released early this month the results of a study they conducted to assess its possible effects on the strait between Boracay and Barangay (village) Caticlan, the jump-off point of ferries to the island.
The study showed that the project being implemented by the Aklan provincial government could alter water current patterns, especially in areas north of the jetty in Caticlan, and possibly harm the coral reefs that produce Boracay’'s white sand.
Lim said that while the study showed that the project had no direct impact on the island, the mitigation measures are necessary to ensure that the island’s ecosystem will not be threatened.
"It is up to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure that the project will not harm Boracay’'s environment. The DoT will work with tourism stakeholders in Boracay to ensure this," Lim said in a telephone interview.
In their report, the scientists from the Marine Environmental Resource Foundation based at the UP Marine Science Institute stressed that protecting the coral reefs around Boracay will help ensure a continuous supply of white sand for its beaches.
"Marine protected areas should be established and managed properly. Fishing activities must be regulated to ensure that sustainable population of reef fish communities are maintained,” the scientists recommended in their report.
The study also encouraged the holding of awareness-raising campaigns to educate tourists about the environment especially in protecting the coral formations.
Lim said a comprehensive study should be undertaken before the implementation of the succeeding phases of the reclamation project. The initial phase, which covers Barangay Caticlan, comprises 2.64 hectares and costs P260 million.
The DENR has issued an environmental certificate of compliance covering the initial phase but the Philippine Reclamation Authority has granted authority to the provincial government to reclaim 40 hectares, including 36.82 hectares in Caticlan and 3.18 hectares in Boracay.
The 10-year reclamation and development project aims to raise revenues and provide jobs to residents by improving tourism services for Boracay, according to the provincial government.It involves the expansion of port facilities, reclamation of coastline areas, and the construction of commercial and office buildings, a health and wellness center and other businesses. It would also restore the now eroded coastal zones and prevent erosion near the port.
But the municipal government of Malay, which has jurisdiction over Boracay and business groups in Boracay, has raised concerns about the environmental impact of the project.