Boracaynons appealed for help from environmental experts amid rumors of a 40-hectare reclamation project of the provincial government of Aklan spread like wildfire among concerned residents and resort owners of this beautiful resort island voted thrice as the world’s best tropical beach.
“This is a big threat to Boracay’s environment again! Please help us get info from environmental experts on the effect … SOS!,” pleaded Nenette Graf of Boracay Beach Resort.
Graf, a vocal crusader for the protection of Boracay, confirmed that the application of the province for the reclamation project in Catiklan is now with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
The Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality of Malay wrote the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) last year opposing the reclamation project which has now grown from its original size of 3 hectares.
The Malay League of Barangay Captains is also against the project with Barangay Catiklan even passing a resolution opposing it. Even neighboring properties are said to be against this flagship project of Gov. Carlito Marquez.
Graf called Marquez worst than a dictator for not including stakeholders nor town or barangay officials in the planning of this Aklan Marina Project.
In his 6th State of the Province Address last month, Marquez pegged initial costing for the project at P260 million with the balance financed through a bond flotation scheme.
The provincial government has been under fire lately for the controversial airport upgrade project where a 48-meter hill will be leveled to make way for the extension of the runway to international standards. Although Marquez is said to be against using Caticlan Airport as an international facility, he has not opposed the removal of the hill at the end of the runway.
Concerned residents lament the fact that the much-ballyhooed Aklan Environment Code has done little to protect the environment in the province despite its passage last year.
