Inter-agency task force hopeful Boracay improvements will be sustained long term

As Boracay is all set for its much-awaited reopening on Friday, government agencies in charge of its rehabilitation are hoping the improved environmental condition of the world-famous resort island will be sustained for the long term.

“It is our fervent hope that the people of Boracay have learned their lesson well and that they are now ready to lead efforts to ensure the sustainability of Boracay as a world-class ecotourism destination,” said Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, head of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF).

Boracay will reopen exactly six months after it was closed to tourists to pave the way for much-needed rehabilitation from serious environmental damage, particularly the concerns that its once-crystal-clear waters have been tainted by sewage and garbage.

Cimatu said that Boracay’s environmental sustainability would depend largely on how its residents, stakeholders and tourists will adhere to the guidelines laid down by the BIATF to protect the island from unsustainable tourism practices.

The environment chief strongly believes that more than the significant improvements and innovations done in Boracay, “a change in the behavior of the people—both the locals and tourists—will bring real change to the island.”

Cimatu expressed hope the BIATF has “successfully laid the foundations for a sustainable Boracay” during the six months the island was under rehabilitation.

Last October 15, Cimatu announced that Boracay waters are already fit for swimming based on the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Prior to reopening, the BIATF has approved a set of guidelines to ensure Boracay’s environment will be sustained and protected from the expected massive influx of local and foreign tourists.

The guidelines include a regulation on tourist arrivals and number of persons allowed to stay in Boracay, in accordance with the island’s carrying capacity.

A study conducted by the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños revealed that the island’s daily carrying capacity is 54,945—19,215 tourists and 35,730 non-tourists, which refer to residents, migrants and stay-in workers.

Meanwhile, DENR Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor said that among the highlights of the reopening will be the unveiling of the so-called “Boracay icon” and inauguration of the reconstructed main road.

Rigor said the “reopening ceremony” will take place at Cagban Jetty Port in Barangay Manoc-manoc.
“Cagban jetty port is the main gateway to Boracay. It is only fitting that the ceremonies marking the reopening will take place here, as a symbol of the island welcoming visitors once again to enjoy its natural beauty,” he said.

A prominent marker in Cagban port constitutes of the word “Boracay” with a 50-foot vertical garden and backdrop of the “Boracay icon,” a phrase coined by the task force to refer to an image that the island is well known for.

The marker, Rigor said, would be a “fitting symbol showcasing the ‘new’ Boracay that has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the government and the island’s stakeholders.”

According to the DENR official, the sheer size of the Boracay icon makes it visible as a welcome sign to ferry passengers approaching the mainland.

Another highlight of the opening will be the inauguration of the rehabilitated main road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to be led by Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The 4.1-km road stretches from the Cagban port to the Elizalde property in Station 1.

Environmental warriors will also take their oaths as part of the “Kaligkasan” community multipliers group during the ceremony.

The Kaligkasan, a combination of the words “kaligtasan” (safety) and “kalikasan” (nature), will augment government personnel in enforcing environmental laws and regulations on the island.

Along with the island’s rehabilitation is the improvement of Cagban port’s facilities. Among these is the renovation of the jetty itself, as well as the construction of a rotunda where vehicles can drop off passengers purchasing tickets or leaving the island.

A walkway leading to the main road has also been constructed as a separate path for people entering the island.

Puyat welcomes ‘Better’ Boracay, calls for responsible tourism

Tourism Chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat urges visitors to respect and observe local regulations to help protect and preserve Boracay Island.

Puyat made the appeal during the much-awaited reopening of the island, stressing the importance of a collective effort from the island’s residents and its visitors alike.

“As we welcome a Better Boracay, the Department of Tourism urges everyone to be responsible tourists. It is the key to the preservation of this national treasure,” says Puyat.

The first phase of the rehabilitation, which covers the moratorium on tourism activities since April 26, 2018, addressed the extreme environmental degradation, particularly seawater pollution and illegal encroachment, in beach easement areas.

“During the dry run, about a week ago, people would come up to the members of the BIATF and tell us, “This shoreline, the beachfront we are seeing now, this is the Boracay we fell in love with 30 years ago,” enthused Puyat.

Puyat ensured that there will be a strict enforcement of existing guidelines and policies such as the ordinance prohibiting the drinking of alcohol and smoking in public places, no partying within the no-build zone easement, regulation of sand castle-making, and prohibition of open fires and use of kerosene gas/fuel lamps.

“The Boracay experience is the ultimate lesson in balancing development and protecting the environment. The lessons learned here are not for Boracay alone but also for the other island destinations around our beautiful country,” added the tourism chief.

Meanwhile, Puyat clarified that while the BIATF will enforce a limitation on the number of tourists allowed in the island, currently pegged at 19,215 guests per day, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue to accredit compliant accommodation establishments that pass the standards of the agency.

“More rooms will be available as we continue on with Phases 2 and 3 of Boracay’s massive rehabilitation. We are making sure the Task Force requirements are 100% complied with,” said Puyat.##

photo: Members of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force and the local stakeholders join hands in front of the Boracay icon, the symbol of the new and ‘better’ Boracay. 

- DOT

Pres. Duterte is pleased with what has happened in Boracay

Salvador S. Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel releases statement on the re-opening of Boracay:

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is pleased with what has happened in Boracay.

Boracay is a lesson of political will, as exhibited by PRRD and yet, it is also a lesson of neglect, misfeasance and malfeasance by responsible persons in office. The cesspool that was Boracay would not have happened if political will was exhibited by those in authority and if only officials of the island paradise, as well as the stakeholders, operated following the law and the rules and regulations of pertinent government agencies.

It has to take the strong and decisive leadership of the President to put things in order and we should all learn from these lessons so that Boracay will become an attraction not only in this country but in the world.

We commend the different Departments for the evolution and development of Boracay, as well as the patience and cooperation of everyone.##