DENR tightens Boracay build rules amid rehab push

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has rolled out stricter administrative guidelines for construction and development on Boracay Island as part of the island’s long-term rehabilitation and sustainable management.

The order, made public this month, provides a framework for assessing carrying capacity and geologic hazards during the review of Environmental Compliance Certificate and Certificate of Non-Coverage applications.

The new regulations apply to existing structures operating without an ECC, expansion projects proposing additional areas or components, and new national government projects aligned with the island’s development framework.

Under the guidelines, all proposed developments must be consistent with the island’s approved land use, zoning and development framework to be eligible for an ECC or a CNC.

For projects already operating, proponents must submit an engineering geologic and geohazard assessment report endorsed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Existing structures are required to submit a formal letter of endorsement from the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau based on carrying capacity and a certification from the Malay local government on physical carrying capacity.

Expansion projects, on the other hand, must undergo an environmental impact study that includes a commitment to avoidance, mitigation and rehabilitation.

New national government projects must secure an ECC if they fall under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, while those categorized as noncovered (Category C or D) must obtain a CNC before implementation.

The order also requires all project proponents to provide proof of authority over the site, such as land titles for private lands or tenurial instruments for public lands.

Applicants must also secure a certificate of compliance regarding the 25 + 5 meters beachfront easement and the 15 meters road easement from the centerline.

To protect the regional environment, the order requires social development plans to include specific provisions for the protection of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park.

To preserve Boracay’s waters, the order mandates that wastewater must be treated and never introduced into ambient waters in a way that exceeds national quality standards.

All CNC applications for Boracay must be processed manually at the Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 office to ensure proper validation and site inspection, the order said.

While larger developments must undergo a comprehensive EIS study, the order provides exemptions for smaller local interests.

Family dwellings that are noncommercial, small local businesses such as sari-sari stores and carinderias, and minor public infrastructure may secure a CNC if necessary, according to the order.