DENR, Malay LGU ready for first phase of 'redevelopment'

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government including the Boracay Task Force are now prepared for the "revedelopment" of this resort island.

The Task Force that has been mandated by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III urged the media to consider the term "redevelopment" for demolition of illegal structures here.

During a public forum held recently, the local government of Malay gave establishments until August 28 to remove their illegal structures at the vegetation areas of the front beach. The forum was participated by around 50 stakeholders here.

Failure to do so would signal the task force to proceed to its redevelopment action against erring establishments.

"The DENR has already downloaded some P4.7 million to the local government of Malay as budget for the first phase of redevelopment," said Ivene Reyes chief of the Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Friday.

Among those included in the lists for redevelopment are the tents, beach huts, stage and other related structures that are inside the easement. Exempted from the first phase were the tables and chairs used at night and are not visible at day time.

The task force warns erring establishments that they could possibly recommend closure if they continue to ignore government restrictions.

"We are doing this redevelopment because aside for it being a mandate of Malacanang, we are also supporting the move to preserve the island of Boracay," Reyes said.