PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation of the inter-agency task force on Boracay to close the famous beach destination for six months starting April 26.
Duterte gave his approval during his meeting with his Cabinet officials at MalacaƱan Palace on Wednesday, April 4.
"Boracay [is] closed for six months effective 26 April," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said in a text message sent to reporters.
The recommendation was made by the task force composed of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The temporary closure is seen by the National Government as a short-term solution to address the environmental woes hounding Boracay.
Asked if the President's decision is final, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said, "I think so."
"[The] DENR/DOT/DILG proposal [is] approved after an exhaustive discussion," Guevarra added.
In February, Duterte ordered a total clean-up of Boracay Island, as he vented frustrations over the populat tourist spot's sorry state.
Boracay gains popularity locally and internationally because of its powdery white sand and clear turqoise water.
Duterte, however, had lamented that Boracay transformed into a "cessspool" because of environmental problems besetting the island.
The President had threatened to arrest and file appropriate charges against local officials responsible for resort owners' supposed defiance of complying with environmental rules and regulations.
He had also sought to place Boracay under state of calamity to extend assistance to those who will be affected by the closure. (SunStar Philippines)