[ Manila Bulletin Online ] November 5, 2008
By ELLALYN B. DE VERA
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. imposed yesterday a ban on tree-cutting and construction activities on Boracay Island, Malay town, Aklan.
Atienza imposed the ban following the expiration last month of the construction ban that was earlier imposed by the municipal government of Malay.
He said that banning of tree-cutting and construction work will stop the further destruction of the Island, which is known as one of the country’s top tourist destinations.
The DENR chief’s strict order will be carried out by Region 6 (Western Visayas) Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
"We have to protect the Island’s remaining forest cover and improve the quality and integrity of its environment," Atienza said.
He noted looming problems in the island such as floods that overflow from wetlands during heavy rains, clogging of waterways, and continued construction of illegal structures on the white sand beaches.
"Boracay Island is a national jewel that needs our full protection. The government should take the lead to ensure its sustainable development, not only for this generation but more importantly for the next generations of Filipinos," Atienza said.
"Any clearing or tree-cutting activity in forest lands and unauthorized development work in the wetland areas should be dealt with in accordance with laws, rules and regulations," he told Claudio.
He also ordered the regional office to closely coordinate with all stakeholders in the implementation of the new directive and to submit regular reports to DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Eli Quinto.
The DENR order jibes with the department’s move to immediately protect the environment of Boracay Island, following a Supreme Court (SC) declaration that the tourist destination is part of the public domain.
The SC decision issued last Oct. 8 has reversed a Court of Appeals decision that upheld a local government’s order seeking a survey of Boracay Island for titling purposes.
In the same decision, the petition of private landowners to nullify Proclamation 1064 issued by President Arroyo in May 22, 2006 was rejected.
Proclamation 1064 classified 400 hectares as forest reserves, and 628 hectares as agricultural land, the areas that private landowners were claiming have been declared alienable and disposable.
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