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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BIATF yields Boracay rehab to Aklan provincial, Malay local governments

BIATF yields Boracay rehab to Aklan provincial, Malay local governments

Published Jun 17, 2022 10:03 am

A COUPLE walks on the white beach of Boracay Island with the iconic Willy’s Rock in the background. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – The provincial government of Aklan and the local government of Malay are now responsible for continuing the rehabilitation of world-famous Boracay Island.

The national government’s Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF), chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), turned over the responsibility to the two local governments as its mandate is set to end by June 30.

“We have already done our part. I am challenging the local governments to maintain Boracay’s beauty,” urged DENR acting Secretary Jim Sampulna during the turnover ceremony Thursday, June 16.

Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores and Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista vowed that they will continue the work of the BIATF.

The BIATF was created by President Duterte in 2018 following the initial six-month closure of the country’s famous beach destination to curb its environmental degradation.

Last year, Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 147 that extended the BIATF’s term until June 30, the day his presidency ends.

The Boracay Island Development Authority (BIDA) was proposed in Congress but this did not prosper.

Sampulna, who once served as DENR Region 6 (Western Visayas) director, cited former DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu for leading the agency’s efforts during much of Boracay’s rehabilitation.

DENR Region 6 director Livino Duran urged the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to create an oversight committee.

Duran said that in the absence of BIATF, national government agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), and DENR should still serve a role.

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