TOURISTS are still free to visit Boracay Island this coming Holy Week after Malacañang affirmed Thursday, March 22, that the popular beach destination will not be closed down during peak season.
Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the public can opt to spend time in Boracay during the Holy Week, which will start on March 25, Palm Sunday, and end on April 1, Easter Sunday.
"Proceed to Boracay, especially since it's Holy Week," Roque encouraged tourists, who sought to spend their Holy Week vacation in the world-famous island.
"I don't think any closure will happen during the peak season of Boracay," he added.
Roque gave the assurance amid the proposal of Environment, Local Government and Tourism departments to terminate the operations of resort owners in Boracay for a year to start the rehabilitation of the embattled island, which is plagued with environmental problems.
The recommendation was made because of Boracay establishment owners' violations of environmental laws.
On March 20, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed support to the recommended one-year closure of Boracay, even if it would take "a little bit longer," so as to allow the National Government to restore the island to its pristine condition.
Duterte might consider implementing the recommendation during the "lean season" in an effort to establish drainage and sewage systems in the entire island "unimpeded by tourists," said Roque.
"We're looking at possibly, if the President finally accepts the recommendation, [Boracay will be closed during] lean season," the Palace official said.
"They want to close it so they can do all the required capital investments for the drainage and sewage treatment unimpeded by tourists and other individuals. So if they decide to actually construct waste water facilities and waste drainage system, they would have to destroy all roads, to expand all roads, put treatments under the roads," he added.
Every Holy Week, Filipinos usually flock to the country's prime destinations, including Boracay Island, which is known for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise water.
In 2017, Malacañang declared March 29 to 30 of this year as regular holidays, and March 31 as special non-working day, in observance of Holy Week. (SunStar Philippines)