Study: Island capacity was breached

Following a study conducted by the Boracay Inter-agency Task Force, a dry run for the resort destination’s reopening will take place from October 15 to 25.

The formal reopening is scheduled for October 26.

According to a release by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the study also found the island’s capacity had been breached and certain areas, including beach and swimming areas, are only able to accommodate a certain number of people on a daily basis. The overcapacity was also said to have contributed to excessive waste and deterioration of the water.

During the dry run, the area will be open for local tourists only.

Last month, in response to a senate resolution introduced by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV calling for an assessment of the ongoing rehabilitation at Boracay, Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, said their ongoing training programs have equipped the area with enough manpower for reopening.

“We are now conducting different kinds of trainings for Boracay front liners, stakeholders, and indigenous people to ensure they are ready for the reopening of Boracay on October 26,” she affirmed. “[DOT-6] will also provide adequate assistance, especially to the residents of the island.”/WDJ