The EPG secretary was invited by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay in a joint session in the island on Friday to clarify the role of the Inter-Agency Committee, the task force mandated by the Letter of Instructions (LOI) 1298 to "take actions to prevent the proliferation of all illicit activities that would downgrade the ecosystem and destroy the natural attractions of Boracay Island."

The EPG was created on Oct. 22, 2004 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to oversee the sustainable development in the island.

"I don’t see any conflict with the local officials, but we need their commitment and support to enforce the provincial and municipal ordinances. All ordinances which are harmonious could be implemented by the task force initially," Gil said.

SP member Plaridel Morania said he lauded the moves of Undersecretary Gil for articulating the purpose of Executive Order No. 706 in preserving the island. He also urged him to be decisive with political will to enforce the ordinances in the country’s prime tourist destination.

Gil stressed, "the EPG will assist to address the carrying capacity of the island and protect its fragile environment from uncontrolled construction and development."

"The task force will coordinate with the actions of all government agencies like the Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine National Police mandated to look after the environment of the island," he added.

These agencies should collectively submit their actions to the Inter-Agency Committee before implementing them, Gil clarified.

EPG, through Gil, will conduct an organizational meeting, to tackle the sub-committees created by the Inter-Agency Committee. He also asked the legislative councils to address expeditiously the issues confronting the island that will come out during deliberations with the committees.