The Philippine government temporarily shuts down Boracay, considered as one of the best island in the world, to local and foreign tourists for a six-month rehabilitation to address environmental concerns starting April 26.
During its closure, only island residents, workers, and resort owners with valid identification from the local government will be allowed entry through one entry and exit point– the Caticlan Jetty Port in Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Port in Boracay.
Residents are only allowed to swim in the designated area located at Willy’s Rock in Station 1 from 6:00AM to 5:00PM. Fishing is also permitted but no floating structures are allowed within three kilometers from the shoreline.
A 630-strong police force will secure Boracay over the shutdown period.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended the declaration of state of calamity to three barangays– Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapak.
The closure of Boracay comes after President Rodrigo Duterte described the island paradise as a “cesspool” in February.
About 36,000 workers are displaced and at least P50-B lost in tourism revenues as a result of the temporary shutdown.
Boracay is set to re-open to tourists by October 2018.
