BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — Business groups in Boracay welcomed the initial list of compliant establishments that could open by October 26.
In its Boracay Bulletin dated August 31, 2018, the Department of Tourism listed 25 hotels and resorts that have complied with the permits and clearances from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Nenette Graf, president of Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI), said on Saturday they are glad that some of their members are already allowed to operate during the island’s opening.
“We hope that more compliant hotels would be released soon,” she said, adding that this would allow them to also accept bookings and prepare for the island’s reopening.
Elena Brugger, president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Boracay Chapter (PCCI), likewise confirmed that among those compliant establishments are there members.
Brugger said the “go signal” from the DOT is necessary to help them promote their businesses.
With less than two months left before the reopening, Brugger likewise urged the DOT, and the interagency task force for Boracay rehabilitation to also fast track the release of accreditation permits for compliant establishments.
“It is also necessary for us to have ample time to market and accepts bookings,” she said in an interview.
The initial list of accommodation establishments released by DOT comprised 2,063 rooms or about 41 percent of its target of 5,000 rooms ready for operation by October 26.
Prior to the reopening of the island on October 26, the task force will also conduct a dry-run for local tourists, particularly Aklanons, from October 15 to 25.
Meanwhile, the business sector also urged the interagency task force to have another extension on its one-stop-shop operation on the island.
The one-stop-shop where businesses can secure the necessary permits, licenses, and certifications for them to operate is only until September 7.
“We hope that it will be extended until the last day before the opening to allow businesses to process and comply with the government requirements,” said Graf. (Karen Bermejo/PNA)
