BALICASAG ISLAND, Panglao (PIA)—Coming in a few days after leading the implementation of promised reforms in the Alona beachfront in Panglao, Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado told Balicasag Island settlers and tourism stakeholders to help preserve the beauty of the island and its underwater wonders, before everything goes to waste.
“Tourists are coming here, not for you people, they are here for your beautiful island and world class underwater wonders. Once you will lose these, do you think tourists would continue to come?” the governor told residents gathered for the Capitol’s Atiman program with a medical, dental mission and operation tuli, held at the Philippine Navy detachment building here
Early in the week, Aumentado, who could not afford to be called again for the environmental issues at the Alona beach front, spearheaded the clearing of the easement zone of tables put up by vendors, resorts, and picnickers, which not only hamper free public access, but also blocks the splendid view of the sea.
The governor, acting on the his Executive Order forming Task Force Alona, also pressed on the clearing of the island-hopping boats indiscriminately mooring in front of the beach front, as this not only destroys corals, but also poses danger to swimmers enjoying the waters.
Picnickers bringing in food and stray dogs as well as pets leaving behind animal waste compound the problem of sanitation and public health, so that Alona Task Force is also into a ban on those.
To regulate and control massage activities, authorities also designate areas where these can be done, to clear more access for public access.
Fire dancing and fireworks display which have become a common practice among notable beach destinations, owing to the danger and the environmental risks they bring, would now be banned in the Alona beach fronts.
“We will fix Balicasag next,” the governor said, after initiating the implementation of 8 major reforms to clean Alona beach fronts from ‘eye sores’ and dangerous activities.
Like the most famous stretch of white sandy beach in Alona, Balicasag, a premier dive resort island has also some unsustainable tourism activities including unregulated setting up of makeshift booths, roaming massage services, lack of clean public restrooms, garbage disposal and shadowy deals with tourists.
We will use the Alona Task Force template, after we see how it works, the governor said.
In Balicasag, where the governor brought his Administration’s Atiman program for social service and relief, Capitol’s Medical Outreach Unit and Rotary Club of Panglao rendered medical, dental and Operation Tuli services.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed to the island residents the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, as facilitated by Sen Aimee Marcos. (PIABohol)
