DOT tells airlines: 'Limit flights to Boracay'

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is asking various airlines to limit their flights to Boracay to help maintain the carrying capacity of the island. 

At a Senate committee on finance hearing yesterday on the proposed P3.39 billion budget of the DOT for 2019, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the DOT is talking with various airlines to help in government efforts to preserve the island. 

Puyat said Philippine Airlines has agreed to cut down its daily flights to Boracay from six to one. 

She said more than 6,000 tourists arrive in Boracay everyday and they stay for an average of three days.

The government said the carrying capacity of the island for tourists is 19,200 and 55,000, including its residents. 

The DOT said there is a recommendation to relocate around 17,000 workers in Boracay outside the island to help maintain its carrying capacity. Companies employing these workers were urged to provide quarters for their employees. 

Meanwhile, Puyat said 25 hotels were found to be compliant with the regulations set by the government.  

As of Aug. 31, she said there are 2,064 rooms available for tourists. 

The soft opening of Boracay is set on Oct.  26, when the first phase of the rehabilitation of the island is completed. 

Puyat said the second phase would be completed by July next year and the third by December. 

Environmental clearance

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said around 180 establishments in Boracay have been issued environmental clearances.

“The DENR recommended their accreditation so they can be included in the official list of establishments that will participate in the dry run of the reopening of Boracay on Oct. 15,” DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said.

Antiporda said the number of establishments to be given environmental clearances could reach more than 500.

The DENR reiterated that priority would be given to local tourists, especially Aklan residents, during the dry run of the reopening of Boracay. – With Rhodina Villanueva