Business associations here have urged the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to immediately start the construction of the Phase 2 of the drainage system project to avert possible flooding incidents.
The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay (PCCI) sent a separate request to the PTA regarding their concern.
Rey dela Rosa, undersecretary of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Boracay Affairs, said he received the letters of the two and will be forwarded to PTA General Manager Mark Lapid for his immediate attention.
“I, however, requested both the PCCI and the BFI to come up with a joint resolution because they both have same purpose,” he said.
PCCI Vice President for External Peter Brugger and Internal Vice President David Goldberg said the stakeholders in Boracay are grateful to the improvements already brought the freshwater, sewage and drainage systems by the PTA, Department of Tourism and the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC).
“There is, however, the matter of unfinished and inefficient drainage system contracted for PTA that still causes many environmental problems such as polluted outflows towards the white beach. This affects the environment, marine life and living conditions of many residents and establishments and posts serious health and sanitary problems,” the PCCI letter said.
“We are appealing to your office to please continue immediately the unfinished drainage systems particularly Phase 2,” they added. (PNA)