DOT Sees October 26 as Fixed Boracay Reopening Date

While rehabilitation efforts in Boracay are continuous, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat does not hint a possible extension and still sees October 26 as the fixed date for the island’s reopening.

In an interview with reporters, Puyat said efforts to bring back its pristine condition are continuous under the direction of the task force Boracay rehabilitation’s chairman Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

However, only those found compliant to Boracay environmental laws will be allowed to open.

“May listahan kami ng mga hotels na compliant sa environmental laws. Ang mga compliant lang ang magbubukas this October 26 (We have a list of hotels compliant to environmental laws. Only those compliant will be allowed to open on October 26),” she told reporters in Manila.

At least two months away from the reopening, only 30 percent of the establishments in the island are compliant, Puyat said.

According to reports, there are more than 1,000 establishments.

The government closed Boracay to tourists last April 26 to fix its sewage system and address numerous environment-related problems. (PNA)