Boracay rehabilitation to continue after October 26 opening

MANILA, Philippines — The Boracay interagency task force composed of the Departments of Tourism (DOT), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Interior and Local Government set the soft opening of the island on Oct. 26.

Puyat said only the first phase of the rehabilitation of Boracay would be completed by October.

“This is to make sure that all tourism establishments and service providers are compliant with the standards set by the government and all necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place,” Puyat said.

The Boracay interagency task force said it would hold a dry run of the opening of the island from Oct. 16 to 25.

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said only local tourists would be allowed to enter Boracay, with Aklanons as priority, during the soft opening.

Cimatu advised the public to wait for the DOT’s announcement on available hotels and establishments.