MANILA — Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo on Thursday said while no decision to partially or totally close Boracay to tourists, the Department of Tourism (DOT) prefers to implement the latter to fast-track the island’s rehabilitation in less than six months.
“(The decision) will depend on (Environment and Natural Resources) Secretary Roy Cimatu but for us — for me — I think it’s total,” she told reporters on the sides of a press conference in Intramuros, Manila.
Teo said rehabilitation efforts are easily implemented when a total closure is in place.
“‘Pag partial-partial matatagalan kami (If it’s partial closure, it would take us longer) and it will take time and we only have six months to do (it),” she pointed out.
At the end of the day, Teo said such sacrifices would benefit the Philippines once Boracay is revived into its pristine condition.
“Sa akin naman, if we do it, after this, dadami talaga yung turista – yung arrivals (For me, if we do it, after this, there will be more tourists’ arrivals)…we will be affected by this, but we have to sacrifice.”
Teo is expected to meet with Cimatu and Interior and Local Government chief Eduardo Año today (Thursday).
Meanwhile, DOT Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre said government officials are also scheduled to meet today with urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. to take a look at the new and updated master plan on Boracay.
Creating awareness
After the issue that plagued Boracay, Teo said the public must understand the importance of preserving and protecting nature destinations in the Philippines
“At least after this Boracay, (dapat) lahat maging conscious na. Kailangan ayusin na natin ang kalikasan (At least, after this Boracay, all should be conscious. We should all take care of the environment).”
At present, DOT is monitoring prominent tourist spots such as Siargao, Palawan and Bohol to prevent what happened in Boracay. (PNA)
