RENEWED efforts on the continuing rehabilitation of Boracay Island, one of the world’s tourist destinations, reaped a bountiful harvest, a milestone in fact, with more than the triple surge of the sewer connections under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Figures made available showed that the sewer service connections during the Marcos government posted a 251.03 percent increase, or from 970 in 2021 of the previous administration to 2,435 as of December 2024. The improved water connections steadily increased in 2022, with 1,367 and 1,842 in 2023.
Raw sewerage, a significant contributor to water pollution, threatened the island’s pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. From 2022 to present, a substantial increase in the number of households and businesses connected to the island has been noted.
The Marcos administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, coupled with a renewed focus on environmental protection, specifically “Build Better More,” appears to be the driving force behind this ecological reform.
President Marcos has long been underscoring the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental protection as key pillars of national development. His administration’s focus on infrastructure projects, including those related to sanitation, strongly suggests a direct link between his policy priorities and the observed surge in sewer connections in Boracay.
In fact, in his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, the chief executive said efforts to enhance water security should be “cohesive, centralized, and systematic.”
“Ang tubig ay kasing halaga rin ng pagkain. Kailangan nating tiyakin na may sapat at malinis na tubig para sa lahat at sa mga susunod na salinlahi. Kasama na rito ang tubig na ginagamit sa sakahan,” President Marcos in his SONA speech declared.
Entrepreneurs and residents of the island hailed the sewer connection system project as a significant leap forward in Boracay’s journey towards environmental sustainability.
Aling Rosa, a beachfront restaurant owner, said: “Before, the smell was terrible, especially during high tide. Now, it’s so much better. My customers are happier, and I feel better about serving food near the beach. The investment was worth it, even though it was expensive to connect.”
Mang Ben, a fisherman, said the improved sewerage system has helped them in their struggle to have a better livelihood. “Luminis and tubig sa dagat kaya mas marami kaming nahuhuling isda. Mabuti ito sa amin at sa kinabukasan ng Boracay,” he added.
Clara, a single mother, also lauded the project since the improved sewerage system gives off a much cleaner and healthier community. “Dati natatakot ako na baka magkasakit mga anak ko. Ngayon kampante na ako,’ she quipped.
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism, allotted P105 million for a “free sewer connection program” for households within 100 meters of the available sewer network to support residents and businesses. As a result, Boracay has seen a significant increase in service connectivity, leading to enhanced environmental protection that contributes, in turn, to more sustainable tourism on the island.
Additionally, TIEZA has spent P1.2 billion on a modern drainage system to address flooding and environmental challenges in Boracay. These improvements help protect the island’s natural beauty and support its thriving tourism industry.
Likewise, TIEZA has also been diligently working to provide 100 percent water coverage across the island since 2013. It ensures that all residents and visitors have access to clean, potable water that strictly adheres to the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW) set by the Department of Health (DOH).
For tourists, these changes mean enjoying cleaner water, fresher air, and safer conditions while visiting Boracay’s beaches. For locals, it means better living conditions and less worry about flooding or environmental harm. The various projects have helped create a healthier and more enjoyable place for everyone on the island.
The 251.03 percent jump in sewer connections is a big win for sustainability. It represents a long-term vision of balancing economic growth with environmental care. By investing in resilient and sustainable infrastructure, Boracay remains a world-class destination and a source of pride for the Philippines.
It can be concluded that improved sanitation is not just about protecting the environment. It’s more about public health and the overall quality of life for residents and tourists. The success of this initiative in Boracay could serve as a model for other tourist destinations in the country and beyond, demonstrating the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
