Photo from Dmitry Pichugin
Change has come, and the change in Boracay island is proof. The six-month rehabilitation of the island is truly worth to wait as the vacation haven is now cleaner and more pristine as government agencies took initiative to maintain the beauty of the island. After a long wait, tourists have a lot of reasons to celebrate as Boracay is back! This time, there are changes in the island paradise. Find out what locals and tourist should expect.
For those who are thinking of spending Christmas and New Year in Boracay, this is the perfect time to enjoy the changes in the island. The island has been opened on October 26, 2018. Previously, the island was shut down on April 26, 2018 as the current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte decided to close it for rehabilitation for six months. Locals, travelers, business owners, and tourists were shocked after learning the announcement of Boracay closure.
Six-Month Closure
Boracay is one of the Philippines’ most visited beaches as it has a pristine shorefront and biodiverse ocean. If you want to escape the city, this is one of your choices. No wonder many people were surprised with the sudden foreclosure.
The six-month closure forbade non-residents to visit the island until the rehabilitation ends. During the island closure, the business establishments including, hotels, restaurants, touring agencies, and lodging were required to close down unless they comply with the government’s new requirements. They were also given a deadline to comply with regulations and after 6 months. After the declaration, government agencies, like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and local authorities united to rehabilitate the island and beachfront.
Boracay has been opened on October 26, in which the island is on tourism soft-opening as there are roads and the island’s port will still have a long way to go before it is fully restored.
What to expect to the brand new Boracay?
Boracay is known as the island of partying. It is also one of the top choices for vacation getaway during Labor Day, which is known as “LaBoracay.” With the new regulation, the island will be operating in a strictly-monitored capacity. Heavy partying is now highly discouraged. An annual party during Labor Day dubbed as “LaBoracay” will no longer be allowed. Unlike in previous years, drinking and smoking on the beach is now prohibited as well to limit the unnecessary waste that end up washed up by the shore.
Currently, water activities are temporarily halted and casinos are officially banned. The DENR, has assigned pollution officers dubbed as “Boracay Marshals.” The officers will be “on the lookout for litterers and will remind the public to dispose of the trash properly. According to DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu, “under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishments are required to designate a pollution control officer. This person is responsible in ensuring the compliance with the law.
Department of Tourism Scretary Berna Romulo Puyat stated, “The beachfront is pristine and the water is clean and clear. We want this to be our pilot for sustainable tourism. We hope all our efforts inspire everyone else — the shareholders, local neighborhood to follow strict environmental laws. While I was down there talking to the locals, they were so happy and excited. According to them, this is how Boracay was 30 years ago. This is our chance to show the world we can do it. We have set a strong political will to achieve this environmental rehabilitation; that together, we can make a good change and be an example to others. Let us emphasize the importance of environmental integrity, for the health of our tourists, and our nation’s future.”
Tourists who will be staying at one of the 150 establishments granted to re-open, a stricter pollution policy has been implemented. In order to keep the place clean and organize, be more mindful of how you dispose of your waste. As much as possible, refrain using single-use items like bottled water or plastic cups as contribution in saving our environment.
