ILOILO City – Coastal waters around Boracay Island in Aklan province have passed key environmental quality indicators based on the latest monitoring conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), as authorities continue close surveillance of the world-renowned tourist destination’s marine ecosystem.
The Ambient Water Quality Monitoring team of EMB Region 6 conducted a comprehensive sampling operation from March 2 to 3 in partnership with members of the Boracay Island Water Quality Management and Conservation Area (BIWQMACA), gathering samples from critical outfall sites across the island.
The monitoring team evaluated several key water quality indicators, including dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH levels (power of Hydrogen), total suspended solids (TSS), water color, and fecal coliform concentrations. These parameters are used to determine whether coastal waters meet regulatory standards designed to protect marine ecosystems and public health.
Preliminary analysis showed that dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH levels were within acceptable regulatory limits, indicating generally healthy aquatic conditions in the monitored areas.
However, samples for other parameters requiring more detailed examination were forwarded to accredited laboratories for further analysis to ensure a comprehensive environmental assessment.
EMB-6 said the monitoring is part of a broader environmental surveillance program that includes systematic monthly water quality assessments across Boracay’s coasts, wetlands, and port areas.
During the latest monitoring round, representatives from the Environmental Education and Information Unit observed the procedures at 24 identified sampling stations around the island, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the ongoing environmental monitoring program.
Initial findings also showed that most monitored waters complied with guideline values, particularly for pH and dissolved oxygen levels that are essential for sustaining marine life.
Some sampling locations, however, recorded elevated temperature readings, which officials attributed to the unusually high heat index currently affecting the region.
Authorities said the pending laboratory results for additional parameters will provide further insights that could guide future environmental management strategies and sustainability initiatives for Boracay.
The monitoring activities form part of ongoing efforts by environmental regulators to ensure that Boracay’s coastal waters remain safe and compliant with national water quality standards following the island’s rehabilitation.
The goal is to ensure that Boracay’s waters remain safe, clean, and capable of sustaining both marine biodiversity and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
The latest monitoring activities were carried out with support from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC), and Boracay Tubi System Inc. (BTSI), which all serve as members of the BIWQMACA Governing Board tasked with safeguarding the island’s marine environment.
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard assisted in collecting water samples from strategically selected outfall locations, including Bulabog Outfall 1, Malabunot Outfall 2, Bulabog Drainage Outfall, and Lugutan Outfall./PN