DENR sets stringent limits on Boracay beach activities

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reminded tourists and resort owners of several do's and don't's in Boracay Island, which had been closed for rehabilitation the last six months.

According to a Tuesday report on GMA 7 news program "24 Oras", the DENR had prohibited several beach activities to protect the shore.

Beach weddings that required structures and chairs on the beach were no longer allowed.

Restaurants were also prohibited from setting up tables and chairs near the beach.

Fire dancing and sandcastles were also banned.

Furthermore, water activities would only be allowed in designated areas.

Some businessmen, however, appealed to the government to allow some accustomed beachfront activities on special occasions.

"[D]apat payagan nila 'yung wedding. New year in Boracay, all along the beach from Station 1 to Station 3. Nandyan tables and chairs nila sa beach because they eat dinner there and they wait for the 12 o'clock fireworks," businessman Leonardo Tirrol argued.

Authorities had said that the customary festive activities in Boracay could still be held, but outside the "easement zone" which was 30 meters from the shore.

After the first day of Boracay's reopening, when locals photographed the garbage left on the beach, the DENR warned that those who would be caught littering could be subject to citizen arrest.

Hotel personnel would also be be deputized to arrest offenders.

"Well you just get the evidence, take it to the police, and tell the police that this is the person who did it," DENR spokesperson Benny Antiporda explained. — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News