Inter-agency body sets carrying capacity for El Nido

MANILA, Philippines — An inter-agency body tasked to protect and preserve the country’s beaches and tourist destinations has set the carrying capacity and guidelines for lagoons in El Nido, Palawan.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the carrying capacity for small lagoons was limited to 30 tourists and 15 kayaks per hour.

Larger lagoons are allowed to accommodate 60 tourists and 30 kayaks for every one hour and 30 minutes. 

Puyat is a member of the inter-agency body along with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año. 

Both small and large lagoons are accepting guests from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aside from the carrying capacity, Puyat said that swimming is prohibited on Buena Suerte Beach.

 “We hope they are also implementing a local ordinance that prohibits grilling on the boats,” Puyat said.

 The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has identified “strict protection zones” where human activities are prohibited, except for the conduct of scientific research and ceremonial use by indigenous communities.

The restriction was due to the high biodiversity value of the protected areas.

 Among these areas are Helicopter Island, Balinuad Beach, Turtle Island and Pacanayan Island.