This Week in Boracay (July 6 to 12, 2019)

It will continue to be rainy this week in Boracay [1]. The rainy season likewise marks the habagat or southwest monsoon which brings strong winds to the White Beach. With the continuous rain, tourists and residents are still warned against dengue since cases of dengue in three barangays of the island rise to more than 30 already [2]. Bringing insect repellents during your vacation is advisable. However, there is no need to feel gloomy as a ray of sunshine can also be expected this week. The sun will most likely show up during the middle of the day for some days of the week.

Operation of establishments intruding the road easement is stopped by the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG), the interagency task force which is in charge of the Boracay rehabilitation. After the inspection, at least 20 buildings along the main road were affected [3]. They were found to have remaining overhang structures while others are operating without a mayor’s permit. The removal of the protruding structures is to ensure that they will not impede in the placement of electrical and other utility posts. Since the island’s closure last year, structures along the main road are required to follow the 12-meter easement. It is also a part of the continued widening of the island’s main thoroughfare.

At least four fiberglass boats will start servicing passengers to and from Boracay soon. The shift from wooden-hauled boats to fiberglass is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the government [4]. As part of the program, all boat operators are required to modernize their boats as stated on Circular No. 2016-02 by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). As acceptance to the challenge, local transport group Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) proposed to do a gradual phase-out of their wooden boats. The group has proposed the gradual phase-out over the next years five.

While the crackdown of violators on the island continues, more establishments were able to secure an accreditation certificate from the Department of Tourism (DOT) [5]. There are now 358 compliant accommodation establishments comprising a total of 13,064 rooms. These establishments can soon welcome guests after their closures. Upon booking, it is advised to get a confirmation code from the place you booked. You must then present this booking confirmation before you can enter the port to Boracay.

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