MANILA, Philippines -- Environment Secretary Lito Atienza will draw up and implement an environmental master plan to save the world-famous Boracay island resort from destruction brought about by unrestrained construction on the island.

Atienza said the master plan was crucial in the government's effort to avert the deterioration of the island, a favorite tourist destination for its white sand beaches and pristine waters.

The environmental master plan would put in place a "comprehensive strategy" to maintain excellent air and water quality, and efficient solid waste and flood control management on the island, Atienza said.

The final draft of the master plan would initially be presented to stakeholders engaged in development on Boracay, including resort owners, on Wednesday and Thursday.

The environmental master plan will then be presented to the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Tourism Authority and the committee that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formed to administer the development in Boracay.

Atienza reiterated that the moratorium on construction projects on Boracay island would also cover ongoing construction whose permits were issued before Jan. 2.

He added that Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling already agreed to stop all construction activities on the resort island pending the implementation of the environmental master plan.

On Jan. 2, Cawaling issued a memorandum enforcing the six-month moratorium on the issuance of permits for new construction projects.

"The total stop in construction activities and the moratorium on the issuance of construction permits on Boracay are significant steps in advancing the island's environmental welfare," said Atienza.

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