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REP. MICHAEL “MIKEE” L. ROMERO, Ph. D.
1-PACMAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader Twitter: @MikeeRomeroPhD
REP. MIKEE ROMERO’S BORACAY SOLUTION: PARTIAL CLOSURE OF BORACAY BEACHES

Cordon off medium and high-risk areas, keep open to tourists low-risk and minimal-risk areas

I reiterate the following suggestions to the DOT and DENR on how to address the current Boracay debacle in a what that balances seemingly conflicting concerns of various sectors and institutions.

Among my proposals is the cordoning off of the medium and high-risk areas while keeping open to tourists the low-risk and minimal risk areas. This way allows authorities and volunteers to work on the sanitation and environment issues while also keeping some of the tourism sector workers still gainfully employed.

IMMEDIATE STEPS:
·            Scientific conduct of water testing with appropriate audit controls;
·            Identification of the specific coastal and inland areas of Boracay where water contamination is most hazardous to least problematic;
·            Cordoning off of the medium and high-risk areas while keeping open to tourists the low-risk and minimal risk areas;
·            Mobilization of barangays and residents for massive and regular coastal clean-up and inland waste segregation—using the work for pay scheme of the DSWD;
·            Formation and deployment of multisectoral task force, including volunteers from environment groups and local resident, working together in cooperation and common purpose; and
·            Immediate deployment of portable water purification systems to medium-risk and high risk areas.
MEDIUM-TERM MEASURES:
·            Approve sewerage infrastructure programs for the coastal towns and inland barangays of Boracay;
·            Capability-upgrading for LGUs and tourism establishments in Boracay on sanitation and sustainable development program implementation;
·            Audit and upgrading (if necessary) of Boracay health facilities for capability to respond to water-borne diseases;
·            Declare parts of Boracay as protected areas; and
·            Include in the 2019 budget the necessary provisions for Boracay's environmental and sustainable development.

LONG-TERM RESPONSE:
·            Install/build the Boracay sewerage and sanitation system in segments or phases starting in late 2018/2019. Complete the system in two to three years; and
·            Build the needed support systems, including roads and transport facilities to improve Boracay as the country's premiere tourist destination. (END)

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