By ARGYLL B. GEDUCOS
President Duterte has created an inter-agency task force that aims to reverse degradation in Boracay.
Through Executive Order (EO) no. 53 signed May 8, Duterte recognized how indiscriminate development on the island led to its destruction.
“Years of indiscriminate development have led to environmental degradation, pollution and the depletion and destruction of the island’s biodiversity,” Duterte said in the EO.
“The issues surrounding Boracay Island are no longer purely (a) local matter but a national concern that needs concerted national and local cooperation and synchronization of plans and programs,” he added.
Based on the EO, Duterte tasked the Environment Secretary to chair the task force while the Interior and Tourism secretaries will serve as vice chairmen.
Other members of the task force include the secretaries of Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, Justice, and Social Welfare and Development.
Also named members of the task force are the chief of the Philippine National Police, the chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the Governor of Aklan, and Mayor of the Municipality of Malay which has jurisdiction over the island.
Duterte mandated the task force to ensure that policies on Boracay are consistent with relevant laws, rules and regulations. They are also tasked to review and consolidate existing master plans, and formulate an action plan towards sustainable tourism development there.
The task force must also coordinate with concerned agencies and local government units when it comes to withholding or revoking permits or licenses issued to any establishment caught violating environmental laws and ordinances.
The EO also imposes a moratorium on the construction or expansion of business facilities on the island and the issuance of permits and licenses for such.
The EO states the task force will be dissolved two years after the order takes effect.
