BORACAYT ISLAND – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 is positive in sustaining tourism in Boracay Island.
DOT Region 6 regional director Atty. Helen Catalbas said that total compliance is a tough job for the business establishments in Boracay but it is also the best way to sustain tourism in the island.
“It may take time to completely comply all the requirements of several government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), but by being compliant, it is also the best for tourism sustainability”, director Catalbas said.
She added that besides the varieties of programs being implemented by the DOT to ensure that tourism spots in Boracay are preserved, it is also important that business establishments will cooperate and completely comply the requirements of government.
Catalbas also reiterated the “No DOT Accreditation, No Operation” Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force policy during the Boracay reopening slated on Oct. 26, 2018. She stressed that before the DOT accreditation, business establishments must already have compliance certificate from the DENR, DILG and LGU-Malay.
She also added that being compliant with other government agencies’ requirements is not a guarantee that business establishments will also pass the DOT accreditation because the department has its own standards.
“Even if the island will be opened for tourism activities this October, those who have no DOT accreditation will not be allowed to operate. The DOT is the last agency to determine if business establishment will be able to operate during the reopening,” Catalbas added.
The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force has started setting up on July 30, a one-stop shop manned by the personnel from DOT, DENR, DILG and LGU Malay to assist business owners get their compliance certificates./PN
