Gov't appoints new Boracay czar
In a sign that Malacañang is cracking the whip to restore order in the island-resort of Boracay, an undersecretary of the National Security Council has been appointed head of the group supervising the development of the island.
Retired police general Virtus Gil has been named secretary of the Boracay Eminent Persons Group (EPG), replacing Connie Padilla effective January 28.
Gil, Deputy National Security Adviser, was former PNP Deputy Chief for Administration and a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1971.
Gil has met with Aklan officials including Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Gov. Carlito Marquez and Boracay stakeholders to address the pressing concerns faced by the world famous resort.
The Boracay EPG was created by President Macapagal-Arroyo on October 22, 2004 through Executive Order 377, which declared the island as a special tourism zone. It includes members from the private sector.
The group is tasked to "oversee the sustainable development of Boracay Tourism in behalf of the President and the Secretary of Tourism."
Under the order, the EPG is empowered to formulate plans for sustainable development of tourism in Boracay and to recommend rules and regulations related to these plans to the Philippine Tourism Authority.
It also advocates policies promoting sustainable development in the island and ensure the prioritization of major projects. The EPG is also tasked to help determine the proper land use projects and ensure the preservation of the island's natural and cultural heritage.
In separate interviews, Miraflores and Marquez said that during their meeting with Gil, they have agreed to prioritize the enforcement of various ordinances and laws that will help resolve the problems faced by the island.
Miraflores said within the next few months, all resorts will be required to be connected to the island's central sewerage system.
Demolition orders on illegal structures will also be implemented.
The measures are intended to help address the flooding problem on the island that has affected major areas during continued rains.
The flooding has been blamed on the reclamation of natural waterways and lagoons and the putting up of structures over these areas.
The municipality of Malay where Boracay is located has imposed a six-month ban on the construction of new buildings from January 2 to July 2 this year to gave time for the drafting of a masterplan to regulate development projects on the island.