From ‘cespool,’ to darling of the world for sustainable tourism
The world-famous Boracay Island is set to welcome back thousands of tourists once again after its six-month rehabilitation, making it as the country's “pilot model” for sustainable tourism.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat said that the island paradise was no longer a “cesspool,” as previously described by President Duterte, but is now a sustainable tourism spot that would be emulated worldwide.
"The greatest outcome of this reopening, aside from the additional influx of foreign tourists and revenue, would be the transformation of Boracay from a 'cesspool' to a model of sustainable tourism; not only in the country but in the world," the tourism chief told the Manila Bulletin.
Since she assumed the Department of Tourism (DOT) office five months ago, Puyat repeatedly underscored the importance of sustainable tourism, stating that Boracay will be the "pilot undertaking" for the government's advocacy in the tourism industry.
"Through sheer political will of our President, we have rehabilitated and saved one of our most treasured islands," she said.
Boracay's closure last April 26, following environmental concerns, was then feared by many as they anticipated that it might affect the country's tourism industry. The government's move turned out to be a "good decision, as improvements in the island are clearly evident," said Puyat.
However, tourists should not expect that the complete rehabilitation would be done in just a span of half a year, Puyat underscored.
"I continuously say, we have to manage our expectations. Six months is too short [of] a time to rehabilitate an island which is under the state of calamity. It is like a restaurant's soft-opening, we don't expect the service to be top notched," she said.
Although, the whole rehabilitation process is expected to be completed next year, the Boracay Interagency Task Force consisting of Environment, Interior, and Tourism departments, believes that it is the right time to open Boracay’s doors once again, said Puyat.
The rehabilitation projects such as road expansion, drainage and sewer line construction will continuously be done.
Puyat describes the "new" Boracay as "clean" and will be more "familyoriented."
"Puro white beach ang makikita mo. It's clean... I can proudly say you can walk barefoot (in the white beach) hindi ka matatakot na masugatan ka. It will be more family-oriented lalo na that the President has continually said over and over again 'no-casinos.' He is serious about it," she said.
As recently mentioned, the Task Force decided to prohibit smoking and drinking in the island's public places, particularly in the white beach area; casinos will also be not allowed; local laws will be strictly enforced; as well as they will limit the number of tourists to only 19,215 allowed to stay in the island per day.
"We are coordinating with airlines to reduce the number of flights to the island. Also, Sec. [Roy] Cimatu said in a press briefing that the designated ports will have people counting the numbers of tourists going inside the island. He also mentioned that all bookings will be sent to these people in advance so they can estimate," said Puyat.
"Tourists who plan to stay for the night but do not have booked rooms must wait in the holding area until a room becomes available. Therefore, we encourage tourists to make sure that they book in accredited hotel establishments in advance," she added.
Big parties such as “La Boracay,” an event which marks Labor Day, will no longer be allowed.
"We will also ban big parties in the island like the La Boracay. Why? because when we had the La Boracay, we have about 60,000 to 70,000 visitors in one weekend. Hindi kinaya ng island. Madumi and it goes against the existing local ordinances and the law," explained Puyat.
'No compliance, no opening' policy
Puyat also reiterated that tourism establishments in Boracay should first secure necessary permits and clearances set by the interagency task force before they operate.
Recently, the tourism department released an updated list of establishments where tourists can stay once the island reopens. As of October 12, it now includes 68 establishments (3,519 rooms).
Puyat said that they require the establishments to be 100 percent compliant to the environmental requirements of the Interagency Task Force, saying that it is the condition of President Duterte.
"Walang palakasan, dapat 100 percent. Kasi ayaw natin bumalik sa dati ang Boracay," she said.
The Interagency Task Force released a statement saying that the "public is urged to avoid transactions with establishments that have not yet secured the necessary clearances, permits and/ or accreditation from DOT, DENR, and DILG, and thus have no assurance to re-open."
Rehabilitation of other tourism sites
The tourism chief said that the "actions on Boracay will be replicated in other tourist destinations needing rehabilitation."
"The private sector always asked me, 'kami ba ang next Boracay? Kami ba yung next na ico-close? My answer is; 'All you have to do is follow the law.' Diba ganun naman talaga, walang palakasan, sundan lang natin yung batas," said Puyat.
Puyat also hope that as early as now, other tourist destinations will regulate themselves to follow environmental laws and standards.
'Be a responsible tourist'
The tourism chief also reminded the public to help the government in protecting the country's tourist spots by being a responsible tourist.
"Minsan, hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit... tayo mismong mga Pilipino, when we go to our tourist destinations, tapon kahit saan. Pero pag nag aabroad, takot na takot mag tapon," Puyat lamented.
Puyat said that every Filipino should both become the "best tour guides and tourists" in their own country.
"We will be advocates for an ecosystem of responsible tourists and destinations. Ibig sabihin, don't leave it only to the national government and the local government," she said.
We will be advocates for an ecosystem of responsible tourists and destinations. — Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat Department of Tourism