Boracay two months from now

Mitzi Santos

August 29, 2018

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  Boracay’s closure has been announced in one of the President’s speech in Davao some time in February because it had already become a “cesspool.”

  During a cabinet meeting, Toursim Undersecretary Kat de Castro made a presentation about the aerial survey over Boracay. This aerial survey as conducted by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Enviroment Secretary Roy Cimatu. This includes the locals’ complaints about pollution and flooding in the island.

  The closure of the island was not really the priority but more like closing the businesses that violate the environmental regulations. And after several discussions Boracay was closed to public for six months.

  According to the authorities, they were still demolishing illegal structures that have breached the 30-meter easement zone, including part of the West Cove resort, whose management will be summoned to a senate inquiry on Boracay’s rehabilitation. Water quality has also started to improve in the island’s Bulabog Beach, which had been fouled by sewage water.

  Two months from now, expect a different Boracay since according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. The department will be banning some parties in the island. But parties and events within establishments may still be allowed

  The island has been known due to its white fine sands, the coastline, and the parties at night. Currently, we are looking at restricting (party-activities) in the beach area),” he told reporters in an interview, clarifying parties and events within establishments may still be allowed; one of the prominent parties held in the island, which is the annual “Laboracay” for Labor Day.

  The government aims to maintain the serenity of the shoreline since it is the centerpiece attraction of the island. The inter-agency group which is composed of the DOT, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are eyeing to limit the number of tourists entering the island.

  Boracay will open on October 26, with a prior dry-run for locals from October 15-25.

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