El Nido to remain open during rehab

MANILA, Philippines — El Nido in Palawan will remain open to tourists despite its ongoing rehabilitation.

“We will not close El Nido... we will continue the rehabilitation by imposing a no swimming policy in certain parts of Bacuit Bay, including the El Nido Estero, Cabugao, Masagana and Corong-corong outfalls,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu told a press briefing yesterday.

“Our plan is to come up with an interagency task force that will undertake an investigation and inspection of the establishments including households close to the vicinity,” Cimatu added.

He said the task force  would be given 20 days starting Monday to submit the result of its investigation and inspection. The closure of erring firms will be based on the recommendation of the task force.

Cimatu said 90 percent of the establishments in El Nido are non-compliant with environmental laws and other regulations.

El Nido underwent initial rehabilitation for six months, which started last November.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said high coliform level in certain areas, violation of easement rules, operating without business permits and construction of establishments in prohibited areas were noted.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said charges would be filed against concerned barangay officials and government agencies. – Louise Maureen Simeon