How do you solve a problem like Boracay? DoT steps in and steps up its efforts to salvage the country’s jewel of an island...
"It used to be paradise," said Larry, a local resident who has been living in the renowned island of Boracay all his life. He witnessed it all, the transformation of Boracay - from a backpacker’s hideout in the 70’s to what it is now, an overcrowded beach destination.
Boracay used to be the lovely maiden, the queen. Today, tourists have taken over as kings. Ever since it was discovered by European travelers, Boracay’s fortunes have risen with the tourism trade. It has evolved into a mainstream holiday destination, attracting both travelers and immigrants to its shores. However, some locals feel that the island’s popularity and success might later prove to be its undoing.
"I think the place is being overloaded and overdeveloped. There are always new resorts being built and new people moving in," Larry said. "Yes, there is room for growth here, but we have to make sure it does not harm Boracay’s environment, or else, it’s goodbye to the tourists."
THREE PROBLEMS
The Department of Tourism (DoT) considers Boracay island the jewel of the Philippines and the pride of the country’s booming tourism sector.
The Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BCCI) and the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), an organization of volunteers dedicated to saving the island, identified three primary problems that need to be resolved to prevent it from further deteriorating. These problems are: inadequate transport system and access roads, the lack of zoning, and waste management.
"The common agenda here is the sustainable development of Boracay," said DoT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano who flew to Boracay recently for a MOA signing with the BCCI and the EPG to provide these entities financial assistance for the implementation of a Sanitary Food Preparation Program. The said fund, which amounts to P1,016,419, will also be used for the rehabilitation of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
Two years ago, Barangay Balabag, being the biggest garbage producer in Boracay, initiated the MRF project. Through the cooperation of barangay officials and volunteer workers, residents and establishment owners were educated on the basics of waste management through segregation. Collected recyclable and residual wastes are brought to the facility for proper disposal. Recyclables such as bottles are being sold while styropor are made into synthetic tiles.
Late last year, the DoT funded the setting up of similar facilities in the two remaining barangays -- Manoc Manoc and Yapak, and used the Balabag MRF as model.
In 1997, when the infamous coliform crisis erupted in Boracay, numerous experts lamented the rapid deterioration of the island’s environment. Salt water intrusion and pollution, which are indicators of over–development, have become very evident because of a high population density, especially in the developed beach area.
About 95 percent of Boracay’s residential and commercial establishments are located in the island’s approximately 80,000-square meter white beach area. As of 2001, Boracay already has 217 resorts, a population of about 12,000, and today, an average of 30,000 visitors each month.
RELEVANT MASTERPLAN
The island has since become a case study of the ill effects of governance largely dictated by the wants of resort owners. What has taken place in Boracay is far from what was envisioned in the Boracay masterplan, which had sought to ensure sustainable development for the island.
"The Boracay masterplan has been overtaken by the developments in the island, and as we speak, we are updating the masterplan," said Durano. "Our national government has proposed to the municipalities a moratorium on new buildings and construction. The masterplan is a very important first step in getting Boracay right."
"Boracay is on the verge of over–development, having exceeded many indicators to acceptable limits of growth. But it is not too late for Boracay. We are hopeful," he said.
Meanwhile, tourist arrivals here continue to rise. As of February, arrivals totaled 87,577, up from last year’s 83,259 of the same period. Last year, total tourist arrivals was at an all-time high of 556,084, compared to 499,457 in 2005.
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