Flooding Theatens Boracay

Toirism officials and resort owners in Boracay island Philippines have warned of the collapesse of the island's tourism industry if flooding on the industry if flooding on the island is not controlled.

Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta said the flooding wich affected major portion of the 1,000 hetare isalnd during the end of last year could destroy the island's P10-billion tourism industry.

"If not addressed, it will destroy the island in the next two years," Trompeta said in a telephone interview.

Trompeta said they have been swamped by calls and complaints from tourists and resort owners regarding the flooding, the worst experienced by long-time residents of the islands.

The flooding triggered by heavy rains caused canal and sewege pipes to overflow spilling murky and overflowing to the white beach, the island's primary asset and attraction.

Trompeta said the worst affected was areas along Boat Station 2, at the middle of the island. It also severly affected the Boracay Municipal Hospital and the D' Mall commercial complex.

At least 30 percent of the beach area and most of Bulabog area were flooded, said Trompeta.

The PTA operates the Boracay Water and Sewage System (BWSS).

Trompeta said the flooding is proof of unregulated development that has destroyed the ecological balance of the island.

"When you abuse the environment it will get back at you," said Trompeta.

He pointed out that there was a natural lagoon on the island years ago where rainwater accumulated and flowed to the sea.

But buildings were constructed over the lagoon and natural waterways were also covered to accommodate the construction boom.

Trompeta earlier called for the appointment of an administrator for Boracay Island as part of efforts to save the island-resort from unregulated development.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in August last year called for a six-month moratorium on the construction of new buildings on the island until the PTA comes up with a new development master plan for the island which would ensure the protection and sustainable utilization of its resources. The DENR is also planning to come up with an environmental protection master plan for the island within the period.

Boracay's tourist arrivals from January to November last year reached 547,305 and generated P10.062 billion in earnings, a jump from the P8 billion earnings in 2006.