BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez
supports the moratorium on diving and other sports activities to allow the
coral and marine ecology in Boracay diving sites to recover by itself.
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| PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL |
This after a study of Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed degrading coral reefs caused
by unregulated diving activities and proliferation of crown-of-thorns.
The agency has identified
nine marine-protected areas, which doubles as designated scuba diving sites in
Boracay.
“Tama na i-regulate ang
waters sports activities sa isla dahil na rin sa mga accidents noon. Masisira
din ang ating coral reefs sa pagdaan ng
mga bangka. Ang mga coral reefs na ngayon ay umuusbong ay baka mawala muli,”
the solon said.
DENR Undersecretary
Sherwin Rigor said the agency will come up with the assessment impact of diving
tourism on coral reefs to save Boracay’s biodiversity.
Marquez also urged the
DENR to designate parking areas for boats disembarking passengers in White
Beach boat stations.
These boat stations will
be used as temporary entry points to Boracay Island as the Boracay main road is
under construction.
Marquez also raised concerns on
the dropping of anchors and the dispensing of motor oils and pollutants of
motorized pumpboats that might damage the coral reefs and affect the health of
tourists.
“Ang ating engines sa mga
bangka ay luma na rin at may posibleng may oil leaks. Baka ang swimmers natin
may langis na pag maligo,” he added.
Moreover, the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is confident that the Boracay main road,
drainage and sewage systems will be fully completed by June 2019.
“Ang first part ng
proyekto natin na almost P500-million mula Cagban to Balabag ay matatapos natin
itong December,” DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo said.
Of the
225 establishments with complete business and environmental permits, 25 resorts
and hotels were accredited by Department of Tourism (DoT) to open on October
26.
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