STPs in Boracay ‘non-negotiable’ for resorts, hotels

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Resort and hotels were given ultimatum to comply the mandatory installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Boracay Island.

The constructions of STPs are required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for all hotels and resorts within and outside the White Beach/Main Beach to ensure the proper discharge of treated wastewater into the sea.

The Memorandum No. 752 was signed by Environment secretary Roy Cimatu on September 10 to clarify the guidelines in the installation of STPs in the island.

Hotels and resorts with 50 rooms and above within the White Beach should install their own STPs before the partial Boracay opening on October 26, 2018.

Clustered or individual STPs are required for 30 rooms up to 49 rooms on or before November 30, 2018 while 6 rooms to 29 rooms should construct their own STPs before the year end.

For resorts and hotels outside the White Beach, 50 rooms and above should install their own STPs on or before November 30, 2018.

Those with 30 rooms up to 49 rooms have until December 31, 2018 with clustered or own STPs while 6 rooms to 29 rooms should construct their own STPs on or before January 31, 2019.

Establishments with 5 rooms and below within or outside the White Beach should be connected also with the existing sewerage services of Boracay Tubi or Boracay Island Water Company. 

In a statement, Cimatu said the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force will fully enforce the STPs installation in Boracay Island.

At least 25 resorts and hotels are allowed to operate by the Department of Tourism on October 26 for the partial opening.