BORACAY – Three national departments concerned in restoring this world-famous island once again recommended shutting it down, now for only six months.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources , the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) sent a March 22 letter to President Rodrigo Duterte arrived at such decision “[i]n view of the recent developments and concerns surrounding the island of Boracay.”
The agencies suggested closing Boracay to domestic and foreign tourists starting April 26 and six months thereafter.
DILG assistant secretary for plans and programs Epimaco Densing III said the decision was finalized on Thursday, GMA News Online reported.
The recommendation already reached the inter-agency group tasked in rehabilitating Boracay after a meeting with Gov. Florencio Miraflores, DOT assistant Ricky Alegre told the news outlet.
The agencies earlier suggested closing the island for a year to pave way for rehabilitation efforts.
On Feb. 9, Duterte threatened to shut the island down after calling it a “cesspool.”
This prompted local and national government officials to start a crackdown on business establishments violating zoning and sanitary laws in Boracay.
Investigation into the environmental woes of the island was also initiated.
Earlier this month, Duterte announced that he would place Boracay under a state of calamity.
Stakeholders from various sectors have been appealing to the President to cancel closure plans in the island.
Labor groups in Western Visayas said the closure will aggravate around 20,000 registered workers in Boracay.
Miraflores earlier urged island stakeholders to appeal “yes to cleanup, no to closure” to the President.
Duterte is expected to announce his decision over the closure suggestions on March 26./PN