El Nido “99 percent cleared” of structures within easement: official

November 14, 2018

A provincial official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said El Nido town is 99 percent cleared of structures within the easement zone.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Felizardo Cayatoc on Wednesday said out of the 32  tourism establishments who were forced to be demolished, there is only one remaining structure.

“In El Nido, 99 percent cleared in encroachment within easement zone or salvage zone under the water code of the Philipines,” Cayatoc explained, noting there is an ongoing demolition in one remaining structure because it is difficult to be reached by bulldozers and other heavy equipment.

Mayor Nieves Rosento of El Nido said her town will not be like Boracay because they are doing everything to ensure compliance of businesses and establishments on relevant environmental laws.

“We were given six months to clear our town. We did not stop clearing operation since then. The water quality in El Nido have improved a lot from 7500 mm fecal corm and e-coli to just 1500 mm today,” Rosento said

There is ongoing sampling today in El Nido.The monitoring will be regularly done until the water is cleared, the mayor added.

Last November 10, President Rodrigo Duterte warned resorts and hotels in Palawan to be environmental law compliant to avoid what he did to Boracay.

He particularly mentioned El Nido as the province’s “crown jewel” that should be protected from environmental abuse.

“We’ll protect the crown jewel of Palawan, which is El Nido. Avoid overcrowding. I am giving notice also to all hotels near the sea. ‘Don't throw (wastewater) into the sea.  If you want to build a hotel, spend another so many millions, [you should] have water treatment,” he said. DMS