Boracay Solves Garbage Problem

The waste management problems of Boracay island may soon be resolved thru a concerted and multi – sectoral effort.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez; Malay Mayor Ceciron S. Cawaling; Atty. Zoilo Andin, Chief of Staff of DENR Sec. Mike Defensor; the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO); the Community Environment Natural Resources Officer (CENRO); the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and other Boracay stakeholders discussed a DENR proposal for the proper disposal of the island resort’s wastes. The meeting was held at Gov. Roberto Q. Garcia, Sr. Memorial Bldg., Kalibo, Aklan.
Atty. Andin presented the plan which proposes the composting of biodegradable waste at the PTA site in the island and the transport of residual and non – biodegradable garbage to a dumpsite in the mainland Aklan which lease or purchase the municipal government of Malay has earlier negotiated with the landowners.
The Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be in charge of the collection and composting of biodegradable waste while the three barangays shall be tasked with its proper segregation and designation of pick – up points from where the municipal government will do the collection.
The municipality, under this proposal, is also tasked to impose sanctions against violators of environmental ordinance and laws.
A MOA which shall be entered into by the said sectors was prepared by Atty. Andin but still subject to changes as discussed during the presentation.
Gov. Marquez reiterated his pledge of P1 million and equipment support for the program. It will be recalled that Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores also promised to allocate P1 million from his development funds.
The Department of Tourism’s allocation of P5 million is expected to mainly underwrite the project. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com