After Boracay, DENR sets eye on Cebu, Bohol resorts

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will keep resorts in other tourist destinations, particularly in Cebu and Bohol, on the radar following the closure of Boracay, according to Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

Roque made this remark following reports by DENR’S Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) that Mactan Island in Cebu and Panglao Island in Bohol were said to be unsafe for swimming and water sports due to high coliform levels found in seawater which exceeded standard.

“I am almost certain that the DENR will also ensure that all the resorts are in compliance particularly with the rule that they should have their own waste water treatment facility. Otherwise, they should be attached to a sewerage system that has a water treatment facility,” Roque said.

But Roque was quick to say that Panglao is unlikely to experience the same fate as Boracay since it has its own waste water treatment facility. “Ang Panglao po, ang mabuting balita diyan, iyong waste water treatment nasa ilalim mismo ng bagong airport,” he said, referring to the Panglao Island International Airport.

“Hindi po magiging problema itong sa Panglao as soon as it is operational. But it’s already in place and it’s right under the new international airport of Panglao. So I think, the prospects for Panglao are rather good,” he said.

Roque, however, said that he was not aware of a centralized water treatment facility in Mactan.

Despite the six-month closure of tourist-raking Boracay, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic that the country could still meet the 7.4 million international tourist arrivals goal for this year. “The target will still be the same.we will meet the target, we will work on it,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said.

Teo said that while Boracay is the first destination that comes into mind when talking about Philippine tourism, its temporary closure does not mean an end to the tourism industry. She said they will continue to push for new and underrated destinations in the country and to further promote farm and faith tourism sectors.

Aside from Cebu, Bohol and Palawan other beaches in Siargao, Samal and Pagudpud are also being considered as alternative beach destinations.