Secretary Roy Cimatu said his agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), would establish permanent offices in sensitive areas to strictly implement environmental laws.
The Philippine government will keep a close tab on key tourist areas ahead of the reopening of Boracay island.
Secretary Roy Cimatu said his agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), would establish permanent offices in sensitive areas to strictly implement environmental laws.
"Tourist destinations are where we have to make our presence felt," he said.
Among the destinations to be closely monitored and where offices will be established are Siargao, Palawan, and Bohol.
The government shut down Boracay for six months last April 26 for much-needed rehabilitation.
The world-famous resort island was found to have been suffering from water pollution, garbage accumulation and encroachment in wetlands and forests.
Cimatu said the DENR and other members of the multi-agency task force spearheading Boracay's rehabilitation would meet soon to monitor the progress of rehabilitation work.
Citing latest available data, he said water quality in Boracay has improved. Boracay's Bulabog Beach, for instance, was given a clean bill of health for swimming after DENR workers previously found high traces of bacteria, Cimatu said.
A “dry run” would be undertaken to determine if measures like sewerage systems that Boracay establishments have installed are working.
Cimatu also said that solid waste would no longer accumulate in Boracay, as the garbage contractor would transport waste daily out of the island. The contractor would dispose of Boracay's waste at a sanitary landfill in Malay municipality, which has jurisdiction over the island.