Relocation site for Boracay wetlands settlers identified

MANILA, Philippines — A permanent relocation site for illegal settlers in Boracay’s wetlands has been identified, according to an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Jonas Leones, DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs, said a relocation site in Caticlan is being readied.

“Before proceeding with the relocation of affected families, there is a need to prepare the area by building a number of houses first or putting up tents where they can somehow settle,” Leones said. “We are not forcing them to immediately vacate the houses built in these wetlands since we want to provide them a decent relocation site first.”

Leones said the Department of the Interior and Local Government offered a holding area for those who are willing to immediately vacate their houses.

The DENR said it is also talking with various companies for a project to adopt and rehabilitate wetlands in Boracay.

“A number of companies have committed to help restore the wetlands to its former condition,” Leones said.

“The companies as part of their corporate social responsibility, will engage in efforts to clean up, rehabilitate and secure the wetlands,” he added.

Wetlands are land areas that serve as catch basins to prevent flooding in Boracay.