Boracay eyes Shutdown between June and September - Department of Tourism says

Photo Credits to Owner/DOTTourism.gov.ph

Metro Manila, Philippines - Department of Tourism eyeing the Shutdown of Boracay and possible to set between June and September, in this no tourist will be able to visit Boracay during those times. 

Tourism Undersecretary Ricky Alegre on Tuesday said the date range was recommended by tour operators and hotels because it was the lean season.

Alegre said that the range from June to September were the season with less foreign tourists. 

"We've seen the data — [visits] really [go] down. In fact, it's less foreign tourists during that time," said Alegre.

Supporting the decision is the more exact date is expected to announce which is scheduled to happen before or after Holy Week, of the last week of March. 

Earlier, President Duterte also stated that he will declare a State of Calamity in Boracay. He talked with DILG officer in charge Eduardo Ano about his deadline for six month to fix the problem in the beloved Island. 

"Sabi ko na, "Sir, inutusan kita six months. Tapusin mo 'yang problema sa Boracay,"" Duterte said in a Tuesday speech in Malacañang, pertaining to his marching orders to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Eduardo Año.

Duterte said that he knows the hardship that is why he wants to declared a state of calamity in the area in order to allow quick releasing of funds for those who will financially displaced by the island's clean up operations. 

The said shutdown, will first effect on the bookings and hotels and it will definitely be taken action. Officials are in talks with airlines and hotels to waive rebooking charges or provide refunds for those who wish to cancel or move their trips.

The reason for shutdown is for the major clean up and rehabilitation efforts on the island. 

ULTIMATUM OF THE PRESIDENT: CLEAN BORACAY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OR ELSE BORACAY WILL PERMANENTLY CLOSE

Based on the messaged to CNN Philippines by DILG Officer in charge Año, it is very cleared that the President will close permanently Boracay if there is no improvement on the clean up operations and rehabilitation efforts of Local Government and private establishment in Boracay. 

"Malinaw ang instruction ng Presidente na pag walang improvement after six months ay ipapasara nya permanently ang Boracay,"

"We have to finish our job in six months," he maintained.

DENR wants also to reclaim the forest land and wetland said Alegre. 

 "If you are constructed on forest land, they will demolish you. If you are constructed on wet land, they will demolish you."

Alegre also added that they were targeting to demolish structures between roads and the beach water. 

"We're sorry, but if you're within that limit, you have to cut it. We'll have to take it out," said Alegre. "Besides, who gave the permit? Wala namang title iyon"

Alegre also wants to balance everything and appealed to tourist particularly to local travelers to also visit alternative destinations. 

"If you can rebook it to Bohol, Cebu, Siargao or Camiguin, why not? There's all these beaches from Bataan all the way to Pagudpud," said Alegre.

As of now, here's the present view now of Boracay with a little improvement on the beach front views of the Island. 

Photo Credits to Owner

What are your thoughts regarding this updated news? Share it by commenting below. 

Don't forget to like and share The News Blogger PH for more updated news!

Source: CNN Philippines, Facebook