MANILA – Boracay Island, the crown jewel of Philippine tourism, will be shut down for six months on the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, his aides said.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, who was present during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, announced the decision on Twitter.
“Bora closed for 6 mos effective 26 April [sic],” read Roque’s tweet posted at 9:32 p.m.
The Environment, Interior and Tourism departments have recommended a six-month closure of the island to pave the way for rehabilitation efforts.
Malacañang then requested these agencies to submit a “more detailed” recommendation.
Asked if the decision to shut down Boracay was final, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday: “I think so. [The three agencies’] proposal approved after an exhaustive discussion.”
“Calamity funds will be activated to tide affected workers over,” the presidential aide added.
Duterte first announced that he wanted to close the island down during a speech in February. He called the island – bugged by wastewater disposal problems, among other environmental concerns – a “cesspool.”/PN
