Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu answers questions during an inspection in Boracay Island.
MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has reminded owners of commercial establishments located at the no-build zone area of Bulabog Beach in Boracay Island to self-demolish to avoid facing a lawsuit.
The establishments in question stand on forest and wetland areas which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) prohibits.
“It’s really their right naman but we have to implement the law. The law is there, halimbawa, sinasabi nilang private property na nila yan the government can make some legal remedy para ma-implement,” said the environment secretary.
(It’s really their right also but we have to implement the law. The law is there. For example, they’re claiming that it’s already their private property. The government can make some legal remedy so that it can be implemented.)
On Monday, Cimatu and representatives of concerned agencies inspected the structures built along the 25+5 easement area of the beach.
Establishment owners are given 15 days from today, March 27, to demolish or abandon their structures.
Meanwhile, Cimatu has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately finish roadworks at Boracay Circumferential Road which connects Barangay Manoc Manoc to Yapak and is expected to ease traffic congestion in the area.
“This will partially or probably reduce the traffic. We are planning to open up another road dito upang i-reduce (here to reduce) travel from one hour to 30 minutes. Ganun,” said Cimatu.
The secretary is confident that with constant cooperation from the local government, the rehabilitation of Boracay Island will speedily progress. — Maris Federes | UNTV News & Rescue
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