BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Boracay, one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations, can boast not only of its white sand and crystal clear waters but soon also of organic fertilizer.
Marilyn Manuel, a consultant on research, development and allied services of the Negros Occidental provincial government, claimed the uncollected organic garbage found in canals and streams that eventually decomposed had mixed with the white sand of Boracay, transforming the sand into fertilizer.
Analyzing samples in a soil laboratory, Manuel, a chemical engineer by profession, said she discovered nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the white sand’s composition, which could now be used as a soil conditioner or as organic fertilizer that will benefit many farmers.
Manuel, a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers-Negros Occidental chapter, said she took her samples from Puka Beach and Station 2 of Boracay, which is now facing possible closure due to environmental problems.
According to Manuel, her discovery will make Boracay more unique as an island, aside from being a tourist attraction.