This Week in Boracay and Iloilo (February 27 to March 5, 2022)

Iloilo City and Iloilo province shall remain under Alert Level 3 until February 28 following the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, as announced by Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles. Aklan and Boracay, on the other hand, shall be under Alert Level 2.

The whole Western Visayas is generally classified under Alert Level 3 due to the surge of active coronavirus cases in the area.

Alert Level 2 is the second lowest alert level classification. Certain establishments and activities are allowed to operate at 50% indoor and 70% outdoor capacity, as long as individuals involved are fully vaxxed. [1]

Meanwhile, under Alert Level 3, some establishments are allowed at 30% and 50% outdoor capacity, involving fully vaxxed individuals only. [2]

On a closer scope, the Iloilo province does not plan to appeal its Alert Level 3 classification, as Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. announced in a press conference. The governor also added that there is little significance between Alert Level 3 and Alert Level 2 alert level systems. As for the governor, what is necessary is the continued operations of establishments and the compliance of minimum public health protocols. [3]

These new alert level classifications are based on each local government unit’s cases.

Liquor ban and curfew policies are lifted in Iloilo City, under its Alert Level 3 status. Mayor Jerry Treñas lifting of these restrictions immediately after issuing Executive Order No. 016-2022. [4]

However, restrictions and prohibitions of selling liquor to minors are still in effect, along with curfew policies. Treñas instructed authorities and officers to have random inspections on establishments to implement the said policies effectively.

Boracay observes more visitors entering and having a vacation to the island, and most of them are international tourists. A high number of visits on the island has also been due to the opening of borders of the country to international tourists and less strict travel restrictions.

Fully vaxxed tourists are not required to undergo mandatory quarantine when entering Boracay, and they are no longer required to submit negative swab test results.

About a hundred international visitors have visited the island, most of them coming from the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. [5]

Domestic travelers have also logged many visitors on the famous island.

Travelers and visitors are expected to flock to Boracay due to the less strict travel restrictions imposed by the national government. With this, the Philippine National Police mandated that all police units prepare and impose anti-crime measures for the public’s safety.

According to the Inter-Agency Task Force guidelines, Tourist Police Units continue to impose strict safety protocols and regulations from the local government units.

Along with the lenient travel restrictions, the government of Aklan declared that all visitors of Boracay can now enter as long they comply with the QR code via online health declaration at aklan.gov.ph.

Boracay gives free booster shots for local and foreign tourists visiting the island under the Resbakuna sa Botika vaccination drive. This government program was launched on the famous island on February 11. [6]

Under this program, booster shots are administered through local pharmacies.

This free booster vaccine program under the Resbakuna sa Botika drive was spearheaded by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, National Task Force Against COVID-19 secretaries Vince Dizon and Carlito Galvez Jr., and other local authorities.

The Resbakuna Kids Program was also launched on the same date.

The province of Iloilo is hopeful that the country will be down to its lowest alert level. However, despite this, Governor Defensor Jr. says that it is still advisable to wear face masks further to ensure the health and safety of their constituents.

The governor said that under new normal circumstances, wearing face masks may not be required, but using face masks can ensure more protection for the public.

Other safety protocols such as proper hygiene and frequent disinfection are still encouraged.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Boracay and Iloilo!