DOT sets accreditation criteria for media covering Boracay cleanup

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism on Saturday released media accreditation guidelines for members of the press who wish to cover the environmental rehabilitation of Boracay island in the next six months.

DOT will regulate media access during the temporary closure of the island, including how many will be allowed in and where they can go.

According to the Tourism department, a maximum of 12 personnel will be given accreditation per television network. It will only accredit five personnel each for radio, print, newswire and online platforms.

Members of the press are asked to submit their application through the agency’s website at www.tourism.gov.ph.

They are required to submit a letter of request signed by their editor-in-chief or department head, 1x1 photo, and images of their company IDs. Foreign media must submit proof of accreditation by the International Press Center, an office under the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Media accreditation will begin on Monday, April 16. The vetting and processing will take three to five working days.

"The DOT will furnish the security officers a list of DOT-accredited media," the guidelines read.

The Tourism department added that media approved to visit the island for coverage should present the accreditation identification card before entry into the island. They must wear the accreditation ID at all times.

The DOT, however, said the guidelines are subject to change.

Last April 4, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay for six months to pave way for its rehabilitation. The order takes effect on April 26.

The government earlier said during the island shutdown, no tourists will be allowed in Boracay.

In a Rappler report, Local Government Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III also said residents, workers, resort owners will only be allowed entry to Boracay if they present showing they are residents.

Visitors of residents will only be allowed upon clerance by a security committee.