This Week in Boracay (November 17 to 23, 2018)

It will be sunny at the beginning of the week with a maximum temperature of 30 °C. Wearing sunscreen is recommended especially since beach beds and umbrellas on the beach are prohibited. However, it will be gloomy with a couple of showers and thunderstorm starting on Wednesday until the later part of the week [2].

Despite new and wider roads, traveling from Cagban Port to the main areas of Boracay might still take a little time. This is due to the ongoing construction in some portions of the 4.1-kilometer road, particularly from Cagban Port to Elizalde Property in Station 1. A one-way scheme is being implemented from Cagban Port until the Lake Town in Station 2. Transport vehicles going towards Station 1 shall pass the new Bulabog Road [3]. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), road construction is 85% done and is expected to be completed by December.

With its highly-anticipated reopening, even areas just leading to Boracay were also improved. Once a bumpy road, the 554-meter road leading to Caticlan Jetty Port in mainland Malay has been repaired and asphalted [4]. The Caticlan port serves as the main gateway to Boracay. Upon arriving Caticlan Port, tourists and guests pass through the same terminal while workers use a separate terminal.

Casinos, as well as online gaming activities, have been banned in Boracay by the interagency task force in charge of its rehabilitation. This is after President Rodrigo Duterte made a firm stand to ban gambling on the island. During his recent visit in Boracay, the President also reiterated that there is no need for him to issue an executive order to ban casinos. He said that resistance from the Boracay community would be enough to stop plans of building casinos in the island.

With abundant sun on the beginning of the week, guests can do some water sports activities such as paraw (outrigger boat) sailing and kayaking at the White Beach. These activities, which have been temporarily suspended, have been allowed again since November 3. Guests are meanwhile reminded to book through hotels and resorts and accredited travel agencies. A designated area for water sports is also set in Station 1 and 3 [6].

After Boracay, other tourism destinations will also be subject for rehabilitation. The Department of Interior and Local Government has already ordered all local government units to submit a report of the list and summary of provincial, city, or municipal ordinances pertaining to its environmental laws. This is part of the government’s effort to regulate ecotourism activities in the country.