Volunteers from the Department of Tourism (DOT), alongside participants from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), among other groups, recently took part in a clean-up drive on Boracay, following the island’s official closure, which began last Thursday, April 26.

The event was part of the DOT #SaveBoracay project.

DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo was present during the event and noted, “The simple act of throwing your trash properly and picking up rubbish you see goes a long way.”

Prior to the resort destination’s closure, DOT led a “Save Boracay” Working Conference, which was attended by representatives from the DENR, DILG, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority-Boracay Island Water Company, Inc. (TIEZA-BIWC).

Also present were representatives from local government units, including the Office of Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling.

Tulfo-Teo earlier noted, following the projected six-month rehabilitation, she believes Boracay would be a fitting venue to host the next Miss Universe pageant.

“I want the world to see that the island is now ready,” she stated.

The Philippines last hosted the pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in 2016./WDJ