COMMUNITY NEWS
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By Freida Dario-Santiago
Road Rehab, Drainage Project Set for 2027
Residents of Sitio Diniwid may finally see relief from a flooding problem that has plagued the community for decades.
Funding has been secured for the rehabilitation of Diniwid Road and the construction of a drainage system designed to address the area's long-standing flooding issues, according to an update from Malay Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Hope Pagsuguiron.
The announcement followed a June 10 coordination meeting attended by representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Municipal Planning and Development Office, Zoning Office, Municipal Engineering Office, barangay officials, stakeholders and community representatives.
Pagsuguiron said the project stemmed from an SB resolution dated March 22, 2026, requesting DPWH funding for the rehabilitation of Diniwid Road and the construction of a drainage system. The proposal was endorsed to the DPWH and has since secured funding, with implementation targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
For many residents, the development marks a significant breakthrough in a long-running campaign to improve one of Boracay’s most problematic roads.
In March, longtime Boracay resident and Diniview Villa Resort owner Julia Lervik appealed directly to DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon to include Diniwid Road in the agency’s development plans. In her letter, she described how runoff from surrounding roads turns the low-lying area into a “river” during heavy rains, leaving residents and visitors wading through stagnant floodwater and mud on their way to the beach.
The issue has long been familiar to both locals and tourists. In June 2025, Boracay Sun News highlighted Diniwid Road in its “Island Eye” section, noting that residents had endured years of flooding, dust during the dry season, and muddy conditions during the rainy months while awaiting rehabilitation.
Officials said further meetings will be held with affected residents, households, and business owners to ensure proper consultation and coordination before work begins. Sometimes, progress takes longer than it should. If completed as planned, the project could finally provide a lasting solution to a problem that generations of Diniwid residents have lived with for years, while improving access to one of Boracay’s most popular beach communities.
BFI Brings Boracay Concerns to DENR Secretary Cuna
Representatives of the Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) met with DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna on June 24 to discuss key environmental and tourism issues affecting Boracay Island.
The courtesy meeting, held through the invitation of DENR Region VI Regional Executive Director Ramar Niel V. Pascua, provided BFI an opportunity to present several long-standing concerns, including the review of sewage treatment plant regulations, clarification of land classification and easement issues, identification of sites for public toilet facilities, beachfront management, and strengthening island-wide solid waste management.
Representing BFI were trustees Nenette Graf, Virgilio Sacdalan, and Adel Lumagod, who outlined the organization’s recommendations and priorities. According to BFI, DENR officials acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed openness to further discussions.
The organization described the dialogue as a positive step toward finding practical and long-term solutions that balance environmental protection with sustainable tourism development.
BFI also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies, local officials and stakeholders in safeguarding Boracay’s natural resources.
Boracay Sun News extends its congratulations to the newly elected trustees and wishes them success as they help steer one of the island's most influential business and environmental organizations. As one of the island’s leading private-sector organizations, BFI continues to play an important role in advocating for responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and policies that support the long-term sustainability of Boracay.
PCCI-Boracay Joins 35th Visayas Area Business Conference
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI-Boracay) joined business leaders, chamber representatives, and government officials from across the region at the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) held May 13-15 at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.
The annual conference, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serves as a platform for policy dialogue, investment opportunities, and collaboration among entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders, and public-sector leaders. This year’s discussions focused on sustainable growth, digital innovation, smart business practices and regional economic development.
A key development highlighted during the conference was the strengthening of tourism partnerships across the Visayas through the newly formed Visayas Islands Tourism Alliance (VITA), which aims to bring together tourism stakeholders, local governments and private-sector organizations in promoting the region as a connected and sustainable tourism destination.
Recently elected VITA chairman Anthony Noel is expected to lead efforts toward greater cooperation among island destinations, particularly in tourism promotion, sustainability initiatives, infrastructure and inter-island connectivity.
For Boracay, the alliance offers an opportunity to strengthen its role in regional tourism planning and ensure the island remains competitive as travelers increasingly seek multi-destination experiences.
In an interview with Boracay Sun News, PCCI-Boracay President Djila Winebrenner emphasized that the focus is shifting beyond visitor arrivals. “The conversation today is no longer just about increasing visitor numbers. It is about building a tourism industry that is resilient, sustainable, and delivers long-term benefits to both the community and visitors.”
She added that VITA will allow island chambers across the Visayas to collaborate on tourism, sustainability, connectivity, and the sharing of best practices, an approach that aligns with PCCI-Boracay’s long-term vision of responsible tourism development and stronger regional cooperation.
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