This Week in Boracay (June 29 to July 5, 2019)

The rainy season may have started but the humid weather can still be felt in Boracay with a maximum temperature of 30°C [1]. Despite the humidity, a gloomy week is still expected in the island. It will be mostly rainy mainly in the morning. Due to the constant rains, cases of dengue are also on the rise in the island. Bringing of insect repellants and other precautionary measures are a must.

A proposal to build a bridge that will connect Boracay to Panay Island is now on the works as its proponent San Miguel Corporation (SMC) may soon get an initial nod from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) [2]. SMC proposed to construct a 1.2-kilometer bridge to the tourist island worth PhP5.5 billion. The company is also expected to be given its original proponent status (OPS) soon, according to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar. Once they have the OPS, the company can now submit their project proposal to the National Economic and Development Authority for further evaluation. The proponent however clarified that the bridge will be for limited use only as it will not be used for vehicular through-traffic. Designated loading and unloading areas will be stationed on both ends of the bridge for the movement of goods and supplies, solid waste, and commuters.

There will be no additional flights to Kalibo and Caticlan for the meantime. This is due to a moratorium imposed by the Civil Aeronautics Board. The temporary moratorium is to ensure that tourists visiting Boracay will be within the island’s carrying capacity [3]. To note, only a total of 19,215 people are allowed to stay in the island at all times, while only 6,405 visitors are allowed to enter each day.

In line with the ongoing crackdown of violating establishments in Boracay, twenty-five more businesses are ordered to be closed by the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) [4]. The establishments were found violating the road easement law while some don’t have a business permit. Before the twenty-five businesses and eleven shops were already closed down by the group. The inter-agency group will resume its inspection by July once new sets of officials assume their post.

Two new modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) will start plying the major roads of Boracay [5]. Compared to the old models, the modern PUVs have Euro IV compliant engines, thus it produces cleaner emissions. The vehicles are from the Japanese company Isuzu and can accommodate up to 30 passengers. They will also be fully air-conditioned. Thirteen more PUVs will soon be distributed to the Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) who will handle the operation and maintenance.

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