Task Force begins immediate Alona rehab

By PR | 11:27  AM April 27, 2024

The long-awaited rehabilitation of Panglao’s most famous beachfront begins with the creation of Task Force Alona which is a joint effort of the local government unit of Panglao and the provincial government.

First on the line is the implementation of immediate actions agreed upon on the rehabilitation of Alona including the clearing of the 20-meter easement on the shores of Alona.

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado along with Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos, representatives of Mayor Edgardo Arcay, Uco Trotin and Thomas Boetsch, president and vice-president of the Alona Beach Community Association, Inc (ABCAI) inspected Alona Beach on Friday, April 27.

ABCAI gave its commitment to oversee the operations, stating that it will coordinate with the barangay officials.

No structure nor facilities and vendors will be allowed to situate in the 20m easement, according to Joanne Pinat, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office head.

Fire dancing activities on the shoreline is now prohibited.

After information dissemination activities are complied with, pulling out of dive boats and island-hopping boats at the Alona area will no longer be allowed starting on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the road leading down to Alona will be closed to traffic except for service vehicles bringing supplies and guests of establishments in the area.

In the long run, Task Force Alona will also focus on ensuring that sewage facilities, proper drainage, sustained water quality and regulation of dive shops are in place.

The task force is also comprised of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, representatives from Panglao Municipal Tourism Office, Municipal Engineer’s Office/Building Official, Bohol Provincial Environment and Management Office, Provincial Tourism Office, Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways. (PIMO/LMS)