The government has started a crackdown on illegal structures on the beaches of Siargao Island, a booming tourist destination in Surigao del Norte province, taking off from lessons in the environmental rehabilitation of world-famous Boracay Island in Aklan province. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año were in General Luna, Surigao del Norte, this week to oversee the launch of the campaign to rid Siargao’s beaches of illegally built structures and free up the intended easement of at least 20 meters from the shore. Cimatu gave assurance, however, that there were no plans to close Siargao from tourists for now, but that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was tasked with strictly implementing all environmental laws.

Mascariñas, E. (2019, August 23). Beach clearing starts in Siargao: DENR, DILG vow to save surf spot from environmental woes suffered by Boracay. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A12.