Boracay in Rehab for 6 Months!?

It has been the talk of the town and has made bold moves in the island paradise of Boracay. Now it is official as President Duterte finally pushes with the recommendation to close the island for 6 months starting April 26. The decision was made in accordance to several departments like the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to name a few led to rehabilitate the island as it is considered to be a cesspool according to the president.

The bold move affects the prime tourist destination in terms of foreign and local visitors which was featured in worldwide lists and was also looking forward to the LaBoracay event happening on Labor day. Accoridng to estimates, it will leave thousands of people jobless and almost $5 Billion pesos in lost revenue.

I was able to visit the island for the first time last November and it was the off peak season which is perfect as it was not too crowded and flights are much cheaper. It was fun with a lot of activities to do even if you stay for days or weeks. But I also noticed that the development of the island will one day take a toll on the environment of the island. 

Even before the decision of the President, there have been actions against various violations such as wastewater treatment, piping and even land use. However, there was also the plans of building  new facility such as a casino by Chinese investors which made the move dubious.

We are certain that businesses and the people of Boracay are not pleased and will be greatly affected. Also did the administration also look into the indigenous people who are the original ancestral land dwellers of Boracay?

6 months is a long time and how will people earn a living while the island is closed? But I really do hope that after this time the real objective of rejuvenating it will really happen. I guess it is time to promote our other islands and make them right this time.