DENR clarifies prohibited acts in Boracay

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday clarified that tourists may still enjoy parties, grilling, and other beach activities in Boracay provided these are done indoors or in areas away from the shore.

In a statement, DENR Undersecretaries Sherwin Rigor and Benny Antiporda clarified that the several prohibitions proposed as policies for the reopening of the world-famous resort island will be imposed only in beachfront areas.

Rigor said the prohibitions on certain activities and structures were meant to protect the shore and maintain the pristine quality of the sand, which is Boracay’s top-selling feature.

Among those prohibited are the construction of stage platform for entertainment purposes and setting up of tables, chairs, massage beds, beach umbrellas, souvenir shops and food stalls.

Electrical fixtures, such as lightings and wirings, will also be removed and prohibited from the beachfront vegetation area.

“These structures will be banned at all times within the 25+5 easement area, which is a ‘no-build zone’, and within the beach vegetation area,” Rigor said.

These prohibitions, he said, would apply to White Beach Stations 1, 2 and 3, as well as Puka, Ilig-Iligan, and Bulabog beaches.

Antiporda, meanwhile, disputed an item in an infographic called “New Boracay Dos and Don’ts” circulating online, which states that grilling of meats would be prohibited.

“This is not true. The task force does not prohibit such,” Antiporda said.

“Pwede pa rin pong mag-ihaw, but not along the beachfront,” he added.

The Boracay task force is also looking into setting up designated zones where ambulant vendors can sell their goods instead of approaching and possibly disturbing tourists.

Another measure that has been proposed is the banning of parties and special events at the beachfront and within the easement area without valid permits.

To avoid noise pollution, Rigor said commercial establishments like bars and restaurants will also be encouraged to adopt noise or music insulation systems.

Rigor added that part of the rehabilitation of the beach ecosystem was to require establishments to obtain permits to plant balled coconut palms and other endemic species along the beach fronting their respective properties.

Antiporda also clarified that water sports, paraw sailing and other related activities are only temporarily suspended while the government, led by the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, and partner organizations are conducting an assessment of the marine ecosystems in Boracay.

Antiporda said the DENR is expecting the results of the assessment before the opening of the island on October 26. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News