Boracay closure will be good in the long run, says Pimentel

MANILA, Philippines — Closing Boracay Island for two months will benefit all stakeholders, including tourists in the long run, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said Wednesday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government earlier said that a temporary closure of the island is necessary due to environment issues brought about by the influx of businesses and tourists in the area.

"It is only logical to close Boracay for renovations, so to speak. We must carefully assess the damage to the local environment and take the necessary steps for cleanup. The process is more easily done and more effective if there are no tourists around," Pimentel said in a statement.

The DILG and the Department of Tourism are eyeing to close down the island to tourists from June 1 to July 31.

President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to rehabilitate the world-famous island within six months.

"I understand the difficulties of closing the island for two months, but it is only temporary. It will be good in the long run for all stakeholders, including the tourists who are there for the natural beauty of the island," Pimentel said.

Pimentel noted that closing down the island would not be new as Thailand also closed Koh Tachai Island in 2016 over tourism damage.

Duterte earlier said that he may declare a state of calamity on Boracay, citing public interest, public safety and public health.

"In the meantime, if I were from Boracay, you guys there, the best thing for you to do is cooperate in the cleanup. For as long as there are shit coming from the pipes, draining to the sea, I will never give you the time of day to return," DUterte said on Tuesday. — Patricia Lourdes Viray