Establishment and Role of the Inter-Agency Task Force
- The Task Force includes the DENR, DILG, and DOT.
- Responsible for evaluating Boracay's environmental condition and investigating violations of environmental and health laws.
Environmental Findings Leading to the Declaration
- High fecal coliform levels (average 18,000 MPN/100ml) exceed the acceptable standard of 400 MPN/100ml due to inadequate sewer infrastructure and illegal wastewater discharge.
- Majority of establishments and residences are not connected to proper sewerage systems.
- Only 14 of 51 establishments comply with the Philippine Clean Water Act requirements.
- Significant coral reef degradation noted (approx. 70.5% loss from 1988 to 2011), correlating with increased tourism.
- Waste generation vastly exceeds local government hauling capacity, leading to daily accumulation of approximately 85 tons of unmanaged solid waste.
- Destruction of natural habitats including Puka shells, marine turtle nesting grounds, and fruit bat roosting areas.
- Only 4 of 9 wetlands remain due to illegal encroachment and construction of 1,039 illegal structures on forestlands, wetlands, and easements.
Reports from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
- Beach erosion at West Beach is severe, losing up to 40 meters between 1993–2003 caused by storms, sand extraction, and wastewater discharge.
- Wastewater discharge near shore has caused algal blooms and coral deterioration, impacting sediment supply and increasing erosion.
Impact of Tourism and Insufficient Infrastructure
- Tourist arrivals surged by over 160% from 2012 to 2017, reaching 18,082 visitors per day.
- Rising tourism combined with poor sewer and waste management exacerbates environmental degradation and disrupts local life.
Legal and Regulatory Framework Invoked
- RA No. 9275 requires designation of non-attainment areas for water pollution and mandates programs to reduce pollutants.
- DENR must coordinate pollution control and water quality upgrading efforts.
- Local governments are tasked with contingency planning and protective measures.
- Proclamation No. 1064 classifies Boracay land into forest reserve and alienable/disposable agricultural land.
- Regalian Doctrine confirms state ownership of Boracay land except for valid private titles.
Rationale for the Declaration of State of Calamity and Temporary Closure
- RA No. 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act) supports the declaration for public safety and health, and to facilitate rehabilitation.
Proclamation Details
- Declared State of Calamity covers the barangays of Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapak in Boracay.
- Temporary closure of Boracay Island as a tourist destination for six months starting April 26, 2018, to October 25, 2018.
Government Actions During State of Calamity
- Implementation of remedial measures including price control, negotiated procurement, and use of disaster funds for relief and rehabilitation.
- Coordination among departments and agencies to augment services and facilities of affected local units.
Enforcement and Law Compliance Directives
- All government bodies and LGUs must enforce closure and rehabilitation plans according to operational directives including the Boracay Action Plan.
- Philippine National Police, Coast Guard, and Armed Forces ordered to implement closure with restraint and uphold law and order.
- Municipality of Malay tasked with enforcing the ban on tourist entry until official lifting of closure.
Public Appeal for Cooperation
- Tourists, residents, and establishment owners are urged to comply with laws and directives for ecological restoration.
- Emphasis on collective effort for sustainable rehabilitation benefitting all stakeholders.
Duration and Continuity of the State of Calamity
- The State of Calamity remains effective until formally lifted by the President, irrespective of the six-month closure period.