DENR monitors Boracay beach on oil spillage, too

The Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also monitoring the grease and oil spillage in this resort island.

In a 2014 copy of the Water Quality Monitoring Report by the EMB on Boracay Island Coastal Water, it expressed concern over the problems on oil spillage in this resort island.

"Non–compliance with the Oil and Grease water quality standard is basically due to the presence of motorized pump boats for commercial and transportation purposes in the Island of Boracay. Other possible sources are recreational water activities offered by resort owners as amenities that can be availed by their guests and tourists," the EMB-DENR report said.

Although the report indicated that oil spillage in this resort island has decreased over the previous year, the grease concentration quality is still higher than the standard.

Because of this, the DENR urged the Philippine Coast Guard, the MARINA, and the local government unit of Malay to monitor the proper disposal of used oil for the motorized pump boat and to establish bilge water reception and treatment facilities in strategic areas.

Also, DENR-EMB seeks to reduce the docking motor boats in the Port Area and along the shoreline of Boracay Island.

"And lastly, for EMB Regional office with the help from LGU Malay to reclassify Bulabog Pier and Manoc – Manoc Pier from Class SC water to Class SB water in order for a more stringent water quality standard in this areas," the report added.

For his part, Lt. Commander Jimmy Oliver Vingno of the PCG-Caticlan said that they will coordinate with the local government and study the recommendations made by the EMB.

"We will abide by the recommendations of the DENR as we in the PCG are mandated to ensure environmental protection in our vicinity," said Vingno.