‘Other areas of Boracay’ not exempted from ’25 +5’ rule

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

After clearing the White Beach of illegal structures this March, the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force will enforce the implementation of easement rule in other areas in Boracay Island.

Tourism officer Artemio ‘Tim’ Ticar is referring to several business establishments on the ‘other side’ of Boracay Island violating the easement regulation.

“After ng long beach, tuloy na yun sa buong isla. Ibang approach ang para sa residential areas, kasi iba ang concerns nila compared sa business establishments,” Ticar said in a text message. 

Ticar stressed the mandatory 30-meters easement is also applicable for residential areas, but, there are concerns to be addressed first by residential owners.

“Isa sa mga tinitingnan ang problema sa residential areas sa Manoc-Manoc, siguro pinakahuli natin itong aatupagin. Uunahin natin ang mga establishments violating the 30 meters setback,” he said.

At least seven business establishments fronting the white beach and violating the easement regulations have been given until March 15 to demolish or take down their structures. 

“Pag hindi tinanggal ng remaining establishments ang mga structures after March 15, ang Boracay redevelopment task force na ang gagawa ng paraan para mademolish ito,” he said.

“Kung ano ang ginawa ng task force mula Station 1 hanggang Boracay Terraces, ganon din ang gagawin mula Station 2 papuntang Angol area ng Manoc-Manoc.”

Except for government-owned boat stations in the beachfront which will be used for lifeguard, medical station and tourist information center, all structures that encroach on the beach or shoreline have to comply with the 30-meter easement regulation.

Last month, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Malay mayor John Yap and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas inspected compliance of business establishments of the “25 + 5” restriction as defined by Presidential Proclamation 1064 signed in 2006.