(Eagle News) — Authorities tasked to rehabilitate Boracay will recommend a “total closure” of the island to allow for its cleanup.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo made the announcement in a joint press conference on Thursday, weeks after an angry President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at local authorities for allegedly allowing the island to turn into a “cesspool.”
According to Cimatu, the recommendation for a total closure–which will be forwarded to the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council, which will then forward the same to the President—was because of the poor sewerage on the island, inefficient solid waste management and the presence of illegal structures.
Establishments will reportedly be given a 30-day notice prior to the closure.
As for the period of time the island would remain closed, Año said this would depend on the President.
“We have to sacrifice. At the end of the day, this is for the good of Boracay,” Teo said.
