Not during his watch

We learned from reports about the most recent visit last Monday of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu who frequently inspects the on-going rehabilitation works in Boracay Island. For almost a month now, Boracay has been closed to give way to government rehabilitation efforts to save the country’s prized jewel island resort.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered its closure to tourists for six months effective last April 26. We hope to see a much cleaner Boracay once it is reopened to the public again this October, at the latest, or earlier because of some official pronouncements that government rehabilitation of the island may only take four months.

A lot is at stake in the 180 days given to DENR, the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other government agencies tasked to nurse back to health Boracay Island. Hopefully, these multi-agency efforts would be able to preserve, if not restore Boracay’s stature among the world’s favorite tourist destinations.

In my previous column on Boracay in July last year when the new DENR Secretary was newly appointed, I did say Cimatu – as a former Armed Forces chief of staff – can help solve many of the environmental problems in Boracay. In addition to the environmental concerns on the island, Cimatu’s military experience would help him a lot in contending with local gangsters who grabbed and took over forestlands and protected areas in the area.

In the wake of reports back then that squatting syndicates seemed to have “invaded” Boracay, the inter-agency Task Force formed to rehabilitate Boracay finally validated these reports. But during those times, these were open secrets in the island already. These groups have been occupying many government properties, including the island’s forestlands and wetlands.

According to the DENR, three of the 12 wetlands in Boracay Island could not be located. Wetlands are land areas that could serve as catch basins to prevent flooding. Out of the nine wetlands remaining, Cimatu disclosed, four were already occupied by business establishments.

More than 200 notices of violations, cease and desist orders, and demolition notices have also been issued to at least 100 illegal settlers. If anyone can handle these illegal squatters, the warrior – now retired – ex-General can lock horns with them.

In the middle of all these rehabilitation and clean up efforts, local residents are appealing to Secretary Cimatu for help. Because purportedly, a lot of these illegal settlers have not complied with DENR’s “show-cause” orders to clear all illegal structures within the shoreline easement restriction and other forestlands in the island, specifically in barangay Manoc-manoc.

Worse, grease money allegedly continues to flow from these illegal “big-time” squatters. Their money renders them virtually untouchable. As I gathered, the legitimate business owners in the island who received “show-cause” orders have complied and cleared infrastructure in question. After all, the order allows them up to 15 days for self-demolition.

However, these illegal settlers have the gall to simply ignore the orders as evidenced by reports that their illegal structures remain intact and standing. Thus, it leads residents to suspect that local officials “protect” these illegal settlers from being reached by the Task Force. 

And guess what, I was also informed that some of their leaders in barangay Manoc-manoc and other barangays in the island are running for office in the coming barangay election on Monday, May 14.

What temerity these people running Boracay have. No wonder, residents are fast losing hope to save their island.

What will happen to their precious island? Boracay draws much of its attraction to its white fine sands and crystal clear blue waters. Cimatu and his Task Force should revisit the illegal structures encroaching in the forestlands and shorelines in the island. The structures built on top of rock formations and on forestlands can be easily seen beside the Cagban jetty port. Environmental compliance is essential for a healthy, clean Boracay. 

These illegal structures must go. No sacred cows please. Cimatu should ensure that the law applies to all.

In the spirit of true rehabilitation and restoration, what use is closing down this lovely island if the law applies to only those willing to follow while a privileged few can break them at will? Cimatu should not let this happen.

A lot of people depend on a bustling Boracay for livelihood. Its closure has affected thousands of lives. 

The local government of Malay and national government agencies estimated that at least 17,000 registered workers and 19,000 informal workers were displaced by the closure of the island to tourists.

Beyond the loss of livelihood, there is the national pride we take in having one of, if not the most beautiful island here in our own backyard. We are duty bound to cherish it, protect it for our children and people from all over the world who would still like to enjoy its beauty in the coming generations. Let not the greed of a few destroy this tiny piece of paradise.  

All it takes is will power. The President has already done the previously unthinkable in closing down Boracay. Let us take advantage of this window to enforce the laws to really clean it up. Local politicians notwithstanding.

I hope Secretary Cimatu can bring back order in the protection of Boracay’s environment. He should act on it if the government is really serious in restoring Boracay to its full glory and beauty. The soft-spoken DENR Secretary acknowledged the task seems impossible but promised to solve the environmental problems in Boracay.

President Duterte repeatedly warns of a looming environmental “disaster” and a “tragedy” that could drive visitors away from the island if government ends up with a haphazard rehabilitation of Boracay. I am sure President Duterte will not allow that sad fate to happen in his watch.