SOME BORACAY RESORTS FOUND BUILDING TOO CLOSE TO SHORELINE

Some resorts in Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan may have their structures demolished after they were found violating the a ban on building within 30 meters of the shoreline.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas, who led the inspection of the shoreline, found Boracay West Cove Resort violating the ease of shoreline rule defined by Presidential Proclamation 1064, a "24 Oras" report aired Friday said.

Proclamation 1064, signed in 2006, declares Boracay a protected area and prohibits construction within 30 meters from the shore.

Aside from violating the ease of shoreline rule, West Cove Resort was also found to have exceeded the Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism (FLAGT) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Under its FLAGT, West Cove establishments should not exceed 998 square meters and should not be constructed in a no-build zone.

The inspection revealed that West Cove establishments were built on natural rock formations and corals. The resort does not have a permit to operate from the local government either, “24 Oras” reported.

West Cove Resort owner Cris Aquino has denied violating the guidelines.

“Ever since, naka-declare 'yan sa DENR. Pinapaliwanag ko nga kay Secretary Mar Roxas... Wala naman silang court order, sana naman ipatupad sa lahat,” Aquino said.

Jimenez meanwhile maintained that West Cove committed violations. “Mata na ang makakapaghusga na may mali dito,” he said.

Another establishment, Charlh's Bar, was also found violating the ease of shoreline rule. The bar is owned by a relative of Malay Mayor John Yap, “24 Oras” report said.

When the authorities went to the area for inspection, some structures were already dismantled. Unconfirmed reports said it was Yap himself who ordered the structures dismantled.

Roxas meanwhile vowed stricter implementation of the ease of shoreline rule to preserve Boracay, considered among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

“Importante ito dahil yung mga scientist mismo ang nagsasabi na kung walang setback sa baybayin, eventually mauuubos yung beach. Kailangan nabibigyan ng espasyo yung buhangin o yung beach para mag-replenish siya,” Roxas said.

Based on a technical survey in Boracay Island conducted by the DENR in 2012, 7 percent or 297 of the 3000 resorts and residential establishments in the island were found violating the 30-meter ease of shoreline rule.

These establishments have been given until March 15 to follow the rules or else they will be closed or have their structures dismantled.

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/350635/news/regions/some-boracay-resorts-found-building-too-close-to-shoreline