67% of Boracay Island now connected to sewer system
Boracay Water has expanded its sewer network coverage in Barangay Balabag and parts of Yapak on Boracay Island to meet rising wastewater management needs amid continued development in the area.
In a statement on Monday, the Manila Water unit said the expansion was carried out under the Yapak Bypass Project, aimed at improving sewer connectivity and increasing the volume of wastewater properly collected and treated on the island.
Following the completion of the project, sewer coverage of Boracay Island rose to 67 percent as of end-2025 from 61 percent a year ago, marking a significant improvement in wastewater treatment capacity, the company said.
The expansion also supported the connection of 230 households or accounts, benefiting around 1,150 individuals, through Boracay Water’s free sewer connection initiative, Project Monsoon.
Boracay Water said the project enabled it to accommodate wastewater flows from both Yapak and Balabag, resulting in a sharp increase in connected accounts.
The number of connected customers climbed to 178 accounts in October 2025 from just 30 in December 2024, or a 493-percent increase, highlighting the growing uptake of sewer services in the area.
The company said the expansion aligns with national and local environmental regulations, including Republic Act No. 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act, and Presidential Decree No. 856, or the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.
It also supports Municipal Ordinance No. 550 of Malay, which requires establishments and households to connect to an available sewer line within 100 meters.
Joanna Intas, acting general manager of Boracay Water, said the project underscored the firm’s commitment to protecting Boracay’s environment while supporting sustainable tourism growth.
“By expanding our sewer network, we help ensure that wastewater is properly treated, resulting in cleaner surroundings, improved public health and a safer environment for residents and visitors,” Intas said.
Boracay Water serves as a concessionaire of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
