The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) commended the Municipality of El Nido for remaining on track with its comprehensive environmental rehabilitation program, closely aligning with the targets and recommendations set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Citing the status report submitted by the El Nido local government unit (LGU), the DILG recognized El Nido’s concrete actions in water quality, waste management, and enforcement, demonstrating a dedicated effort to safeguard ecological assets and addressing public health concerns. El Nido is among the five major tourist island destinations designated as green economy models (GEMs), where coordinated action is being promoted to address environmental and public health challenges.

Among the LGU’s key accomplishments is the development of a Sanitary Landfill (SLF) in Barangay New Ibajay with an initial PHP 15 million allocation, and the issuance of more than 560 Notices of Violation for improper waste disposal.

On wastewater management, the LGU constructed nine communal septic tanks to support 148 toilets, 143 floor drains, and 142 lavatories, complemented by five out of six targeted Anaerobic Baffled Reactor (ABR) tanks near esteros. Ordinance No. 15, s. 2024 was also enacted to regulate marine vessel waste disposal. As of the latest count, 444 of the 894 commercial establishments are connected to the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), with 91 pending and 359 yet to comply.

The LGU is also investing heavily in water infrastructure, including a modular Water Treatment Plant with a three million-liter daily capacity, upgrades to the Bulalacao Water Treatment Plant, and the near completion of the Nasigdan Pumping Station. Ordinances have also been passed requiring regular water quality testing, while Executive Order 23-056, which bans food preparation during island activities, has resulted to the issuance of 97 Notices of Violation.

To ensure compliance, the LGU created the El Nido Rehabilitation Closure Team through Executive Order 24-015, which has endorsed 16 non-compliant establishments for closure and has facilitated the removal of 28 illegal residential structures encroaching on environmental easements. An Island Sanitation Plan is also set for finalization by November this year.

The DILG also cited El Nido’s ongoing partnership with the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau in conducting a new Tourism Carrying Capacity Study, whose initial findings were released in July 2025 to guide long-term planning and ensure a balance between development and environmental protection.

The DILG said El Nido’s efforts reflect the Marcos administration’s call for local governments to take a leading role in implementing clean-up, rehabilitation, and conservation initiatives as part of inclusive and climate-aware development. The DILG continues to support and monitor local governments like El Nido in enforcing environmental laws, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening institutional mechanisms to achieve long-term, sustainable results.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-El-Nido-on-Track-in-Environmental-Rehabilitation-Plan/NC-2025-1224