Since reopening last October 26, Boracay currently boasts 296 lodging establishments formally accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to policies implemented after the island was shut down last year due to environmental reasons, businesses are required to comply by agency standards or they will not be allowed to operate.

According to DOT, the approved establishments account for 10,467 rooms.

During a meeting last year between DOT Undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato and the Boracay Stakeholders Core Group, they affirmed only compliant establishments should be permitted to operate.

They explained, “compliant” establishments refer to those in line with regulations set by the DOT, DILG, DENR, and the Malay municipal government, which has jurisdiction over the resort island./WDJ