The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will assess the implementation status of the action plans submitted by local government units (LGUs) of five major tourist island destinations, designated as green economy models (GEMs), amid persistent environmental concerns.

The DILG will meet with the local chief executives of El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao, and Boracay—the so-called five GEMs—to discuss concrete measures undertaken to address environmental and public health issues within their jurisdictions.

The DILG said LGUs should establish strategies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve the water quality of waterways and other bodies of water in their areas.

Earlier, the five GEMs submitted six-month rehabilitation action plans to the DILG, outlining strategies for liquid and solid waste management, tourism development, peace and order, and the handling of health-related concerns.

Copies of the plans have been forwarded to relevant government agencies for appropriate action.

Since last year, the DILG has been working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), and LGUs to coordinate strategies addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the five island destinations.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to position the Philippines as a premier tourist destination in Asia.