DENR adopts zero-tolerance policy for littering in Boracay

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced that they will adopt a “zero-tolerance” policy against litterers. This was after a photo went viral of discarded trash along Boracay’s newly rehabilitated white sand beach during the first day of its test run for its reopening on the 26th of October.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda announced yesterday that the department will strictly enforce the guidelines against littering in the island.

Island watchmen

Antiporda said that they have already held a dialogue with the Compliant Association of Boracay (CAB), and that the association supports the agency’s proposal of designating CAB pollution officers as marshals to go after offenders.

Under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishments are required to designate a pollution control officer to ensure compliance with the law.

The CAB is a group composed of owners of hotels, resorts, retail shops, and restaurants on the island. They earlier asked Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to deputize their members as official Boracay Marshals to police public areas in Boracay.

Antiporda asked CAB members to utilize social media in reminding visitors of Boracay to dispose of their trash properly.

He adds that the DENR also recommends citizen’s arrests against litterers, as it is a criminal offense. Violators may face a fine, or be made to render 8 to 16 hours of community service.

via Philippine Star / Rhodina Villanueva