This Week in Boracay (March 23 to 29, 2019)

The summer heat will be felt throughout the week. This is due to the consistently hot weather with a maximum temperature of 30°C and a minimum of 26°C [1]. With the ample amount of sun, you can surely get a tan while staying at the beach. To avoid sunburn and other heat-related diseases, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. Make sure to bring your own bottle and avoid single-use plastics. The good weather is also a good reason for more active things to do, like water sports activities on the island such as the banana boat ride (PhP400) and parasailing (PhP2,500).

Road improvements continue in Boracay this month. In a media interview, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said the first phase of the circumferential road in Boracay will be officially inaugurated this month [2]. Upon its completion, the second phase of the project will be rolled out immediately. Phase I consists of concreting and widening of 4.1-kilometer road from Cagban Port to the Elizalde Property in Station 1. Tourists can see this improvement upon arriving on the island going to its central location. The second phase will include the rehabilitation of the road from Elizalde property passing through the Ambassador Hotel towards City Mall. It will also include the rehabilitation of the road from Tambisaan Port to the Rotonda in Barangay Manocmanoc.

Aside from the improvements on the island, its marine environment is also being rehabilitated continuously. One project that is implemented is the underwater cleanup. The most recent of which is the one organized by the Philippine Travel Factory [3]. The activity is likewise done in partnership with the diver’s group in the island particularly the Boracay Business Administration of Scuba Shops (BBASS). The underwater cleanup is for the collection and removal of waste in the water and is done on a regular basis on the island.

For the sustainability of its rehabilitation efforts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has encouraged stakeholders and the community in Boracay to be on the lookout against violators [4]. The DOT reiterated that only accredited businesses are allowed to operate. Based on the current DOT list, 320 hotels and resorts were given accreditation. Aside from DOT, the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources has also shut down some businesses that are operating without a certificate of compliance.

Water utility companies in Boracay assured that there is still enough drinking water supply for residents and tourists on the island [5]. While there is no water shortage in Boracay, consumers were told to conserve water. This is in preparation for the onset of El Niño phenomenon which is already affecting other parts of the country. Every household in the community, as well as the businesses, are urged to save clean and potable water. The island sources its water from Nabaoy River in mainland Malay.

For more news and updates about Boracay, head to www.yoorekka.com.