‘TIEZA to regulate Boracay water utilities’

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has asserted its regulatory powers over water utilities in Boracay and other tourist areas, citing a recent ruling of the Office of the President (OP).

TIEZA said it received the OP ruling dated Sept. 5, which affirmed a decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that gave the agency the sole authority to regulate water utilities, including waterworks and sewerage systems, in Boracay.

“The decision denies the motion for reconsideration filed by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB),” TIEZA said in a statement.

The Boracay Tubi System Inc. and Boracay Island Water Company Inc. had been separately regulated by the NWRB and TIEZA.

“We welcome this decision as it finally resolved the issue on regulatory authority on water utilities in Boracay. It offers a good opportunity to promote sustainable tourism through effective management of utilities,” Pocholo Paragas, TIEZA chief operating officer, said.

Paragas said the ruling would enable TIEZA to monitor and enforce standards on the service of the two water concessionaires in Boracay.    

“With the DOJ decision... the TIEZA regulatory office is tasked to formulate customer service standards and policies applicable to all water service providers on the island... It will cover regulation of water supply as well as wastewater or sewerage system,” Paragas said.

He expressed optimism that TIEZA could work with water concessionaries to pursue sustainable reforms to ensure a high quality of water standards for tourists and residents on the island.

Last month, TIEZA reported that the construction of a temporary discharge pipe on Bolabog beach is on track.

The agency said Phase 2 of the Boracay drainage project worth P1.1 billion is also on schedule and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.

Under Executive Order 53, which created the Boracay interagency task force, TIEZA is tasked to complete a drainage system and work with the Department of Public Works and Highways to put up flood control infrastructure and ensure the completion of water and sewerage system expansion programs on the island.

President Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay, which he described as a “cesspool,” citing illegal pipes, which released wastewater to the sea, from establishments on the island.