DENR vows protection of Boracay's freshwater
BORACAY ISLAND – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here has committed to help in the protection of the freshwater in Boracay against imminent danger.
Raoul Lorilla, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said they specifically would like to protect the freshwater against possible salt intrusion.
"The salt intrusion happens when fresh water extraction is more than it is recharged. When this happens, the problem will be irreversible which could signal the downgrade of this resort island as a premier tourism destination," he said.
He added this is the reason why the DENR wanted to protect the wetlands in this resort island because these serve as the recharge point of Boracay's freshwater.
Currently, the DENR has filed cases against several resort owners here for establishing concrete barriers that would disrupt the natural flow of freshwater in this resort island.
"One conservation measure here is the move of the National Water Regulatory Board to regulate the operations of deep wells," Lorilla said.
The freshwater being utilized at present by the local residents comes from the nearby Nabaoi Watershed in Boracay.
The DENR is also bent on protecting the said watershed from being destroyed either by manmade or natural causes. (PNA)