'Boracay beaches turning brown'

MANILA, Philippines - A stakeholders group on Tuesday welcomed a government order to demolish structures of 80 Boracay resorts, saying the move will help restore the beauty of Boracay's beaches.

Speaking to ANC, Boracay Foundation Inc. director and beach front resort owner Nenette Graf welcomed the government order to re-establish the easement portion area of the 4-kilometer white sand beach in Boracay.

"This is a welcome move from our side, the stakeholders. I think it is about time that we protect our white beach, to preserve it. At this point in time, we are really at a panic because our beaches...is becoming brown already," she said.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez earlier said at least 80 establishments on Boracay island face possible demolition by end of March this year for building too close to the water line.

He said a government task force, composed of the tourism, environment, health, justice and interior and local government departments, has already ordered the establishments to self-demolish.

Graf said she knows of 11 Boracay resorts that have received the government order to self-demolish. One of them is the Nandana Boracay Resort, while the others are in Station 3, she added.

She said none of the establishments have yet to comply with the government order.

Graf admitted that some resort owners deliberately violated the rules after seeing other establishments do the same thing. "Now, it's payback time," she said.

Jimenez earlier said the deadline for the self-demolition is non-negotiable because of the deterioration of the island's beaches. He said resorts that ignore the order will still be demolished and the expenses shouldered by the owners.

He confirmed some of the structures, including embankments to prevent floods, will be completely demolished for building too near the water line.

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'Boracay beaches turning brown'

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