AKLAN — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has imposed stricter regulations on all existing and proposed projects in Boracay Island under Administrative Order No. 2025-36 issued on February 11.
The new directive mandates that all projects on the island—including government facilities—must secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Aklan before proceeding.
Under the order, proponents of new and expansion projects covered by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System are required to submit complete environmental requirements. These include an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), zoning and land-use clearances, and proof of land authority.
In addition, proposed developments must secure an Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment Report from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), along with clearances from the local government unit certifying compliance with Boracay’s prescribed physical carrying capacity limit.
For new projects, assessments from the DENR-MGB, LGU clearance, and capacity evaluation from the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau are also required.
The DENR emphasized that no project—whether private or government-led—will be exempted from the order. All existing structures qualified for CNC issuance are likewise covered by the stricter processing guidelines.
The agency said the move aims to ensure the sustained rehabilitation and proper management of the island, drawing lessons from the six-month closure and rehabilitation of Boracay in 2018. That intervention established stricter standards for sustainable development, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management on the world-renowned tourist destination.
“No project will be allowed without undergoing the proper process,” the DENR stressed, reiterating that compliance with environmental laws and carrying capacity limits remains non-negotiable.
The department added that the strengthened regulations are intended to protect Boracay’s fragile ecosystem while allowing responsible and sustainable development moving forward./PN
