SOLON SEEKS PROBE ON DEGRADATION OF BORACAY

Samar Rep. Edgar Sarmiento is calling for a congressional inquiry into the rapid environmental decline of the world-famous island of Boracay in Aklan province. House Resolution 1087 expressed concern over the impact of overdevelopment and overpopulation on Boracay’s environment. Sarmiento noted the island’s poor water quality, beach erosion, and decrease in coral cover. He also cited algal growth, which he said indicates the presence of waste in the water. Boracay, hailed among the best islands in the world last year by Condé Nast magazine, attracted 1.7 million visitors in 2016. “The massive influx of tourists and the explosive population growth in the island places it at the risk of destruction. This is highly detrimental as our citizens are reaping numerous benefits from the thriving tourism industry in the area,” Sarmiento said in his proposed resolution. He stressed the need to regulate development on the island. /