THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and global initiative group Greening the Islands (GTI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a project on sustainable use of island resources amid the government’s ongoing rehabilitation in Boracay.
In a statement on Friday, the DENR said the two parties will identify sustainable solutions and improve the dialogue between the government and the private sector to develop ideas on how to preserve the environment within three years.
Likewise, under the memorandum, the parties are expected to churn out suitable policies that can develop investments as well as implement bankable projects.
Both parties are also expected to simplify and accelerate regulations on permit processes as well as monitor energy transition and other environment-related situations.
The agreement is valid until 2023.
Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said while the project will first be implemented in Boracay, it can also be done in other parts of the country.
“These efforts will be applied not only in Boracay but in other parts of the country, with the Philippines being an island-state comprising over 7,000 islands,” he added.
GTI country representative Theresa C. Capellan said the MoU is GTI’s next step in supporting the government’s efforts in rehabilitating Boracay, which is slated to open on Oct. 26.

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