MANILA – The government’s inter-agency group has recommended the cancellation of all “Laboracay” parties this year due to the rehabilitation of the world-famous Boracay Island, according to an official from the Department of Tourism (DOT)
The annual “Laboracay” every May 1 draws thousands of tourists to the island.
On her official Facebook page, DOT undersecretary Katherine de Castro said this is “final” and the Aklan provincial government is bound to recommend the cancellation as well.
The decision of the inter-agency group – composed of the DOT, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Interior and Local Government – was made after a meeting with Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores, who was in Manila to present a pledge of commitment to Task Force Save Boracay in a bid to address the island’s environmental problem.
The cleanup in Boracay is ongoing, with the latest date of completion projected in September.
The DOT said the task force awaits President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision on the island’s timetable for rehabilitation.
During the meeting, Miraflores echoed the sentiments of local stakeholders, affirming their commitment to the rehabilitation efforts of the national government in the island as they “balance tourism development with environmental protection and preservation.”
This can be done through mitigating measures to address sewerage and drainage, solid waste management, demolition of illegal structures in forest lands, wetlands and easement areas, completion of the circumferential road, and decongestion of traffic. (With PNA/PN)
