Aklan prov’l board okays ‘100 tourists, 100 trees’ rule

By Venus Villanueva

KALIBO, Aklan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has approved an ordinance of the local government of Malay that pushes for the planting of 100 trees for every 100 tourists that a certain establishment in Boracay Island accommodates in a year.

The “100 tourists, 100 trees” policy will also be a requirement for the establishments in the Island when renewing their business permits in the future.

This policy is embodied under Malay Ordinance No. 469 Series of 2022 which also states that trees will be planted at identified tree planting zones or sites.

In a radio interview, SP Committee Chair on Environment Jay Tejada said the ordinance will be included in the Provincial Environment Code that calls on everyone to preserve trees and other natural resources in protected areas.

Barangay councils could also be involved in the implementation of said ordinance, in case establishment owners have no identified lots or sites where they could plant the 100 trees, according to Tejada.

These barangay councils could help them in identifying sites in their respective barangays where they may plant these trees.

Those establishments in the island that would not follow the ordinance will not be granted a permit to operate or renew their permits. (PIA)