The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued Administrative Order 2025-36, introducing stricter environmental rules for Boracay Island. The new guidelines affect both new developments and existing projects, requiring businesses to secure Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) or Certificates of Non-Coverage (CNC) before proceeding.
The rules aim to protect Boracay’s fragile ecosystems while supporting sustainable tourism. They require project proponents to undergo more detailed environmental checks, including assessments of the island’s carrying capacity, geohazard risks, and compliance with local land use and zoning plans. New projects must also submit detailed site plans, geohazard reports, and proof of authority over the land.
Projects not covered by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System—such as small businesses, family dwellings, places of worship, and minor public infrastructure—must obtain a CNC. All applications for Boracay projects must now be processed manually at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region VI to allow proper site inspections.
The DENR emphasized that no new government projects or expansions can proceed without proper environmental clearance. Key safeguards include proper wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and adherence to the island’s traffic and land use plans.
DAO 2025-36 builds on lessons from Boracay’s six-month rehabilitation in 2018, aiming to balance tourism growth with environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
