One year total closure of Boracay recommended

By Analou De Vera, Manila Bulletin

Total closure for a maximum of one year was recommended by the interagency task force to address the looming environmental problems that the world-famous Boracay Island is now facing.

The joint recommendation was announced during a meeting on Thursday attended by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu, Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año.

The inter-agency task forced tasked to rehabilitate Boracay led by DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu (right), DILG OIC Sec. Eduardo Año and DOT Sec. Wanda Tulfo-Teo (left) issued a joint declaration recommending the total closure of the island to address several environmental issues.
(DOT / MANILA BULLETIN)

The government officials proposed to President Duterte the “closure of the Boracay Island as tourist destination for a maximum of one year effective one month after its declaration,” said Cimatu, as he read the joint recommendation of the three agencies.

Cimatu stated that closing the island to tourists will give them ample time for the undisrupted implementation of the different measures that will be undertaken “to restore and eventually sustain Boracay Island as a prime tourism destination.”

The following measures were recommended by the agencies during the proposed closure of the Island:

• Upgrading of the sewerage system including the sewer lines to meet the requirement of the entire island as a major tourist destination;
• Installation of all required solid waste management facilities and mechanisms in addition to full compliance with the provisions of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act;”
• Removal of illegal structures in forestlands and wetlands, easement areas and even geologically hazardous areas such as those with sink holes;
• Road widening/ construction, pipe laying and excavations; and
• Rationalization of transport system.

The total closure will take effect 30 days after President Duterte declared a state of calamity in the island. “We are recommending to the President the declaration of the State of Calamity and then after a month, declaration of the closure of Boracay,” Año said.

Meanwhile, Teo said they already coordinated with the different airlines for rebooking of flights and encouraged tourists to visit other travel destinations in the country.

Cimatu said that from 2016, their monthly monitoring results revealed high concentration of fecal coliform in Bulabog beach, which is located at the eastern portion of the Boracay Island.

The Bulabog beach, according to Cimatu, is frequently use by tourists for kite boarding sports. “There are incidents of tourists complaining of skin diseases which included a foreigner complaining on TV” Cimatu said.

In terms of solid waste management, Cimatu reported that about 90 to 115 tons of garbage is being generated per day, “however, the LGU (local government unit) can haul out only 30 tons per day, hence leaving 85 tons of waste in the island per day.”

Cimatu also added that the island’s centralized Materials Recovery Facility has been converted into a dumpsite.

Moreover, the agencies initially identified that there were 937 illegal structures within the forestlands and wetlands, as well as 102 establishments were illegally built within the easement areas, Cimatu said.

After a month that the agencies have started the cleanup, “numerous non-compliant establishments were issued notices of violations and show cause orders, and some establishments conducted voluntary demolitions,” Cimatu noted.

“Nevertheless, much remain to be done to restore the island to its pristine condition,” Cimatu said.

Philippines to declare state of calamity at Boracay Island

By: ELLIE ABEN 

An aerial view of Boracay Island in the central Philippines. (Shutterstock)

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that he will declare a state of calamity in world-famous Boracay island amid continuing environmental concerns.

Twice named as the best island in the world in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Boracay has been a popular destination with tourists who are drawn to its white, talcum-powder fine sands and warm, crystalline waters.

In recent years urban and environmental planners have been warning of environmental degradation at the resort which in 2017 posted a record 2,001,974 tourist arrivals.

In February, the president himself labelled Boracay a “cesspool,” describing its waters as “smelly.”

“You go into the water, it’s smelly. Smell of what? Shit,” Duterte said. He then ordered Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to clean up Boracay within six months.

Following the president’s directive, a “mission team” was deployed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to serve notices to establishments initially found to have violated environmental laws.

Members of the team likewise went to check if the establishments are properly connected to the main sewer lines or have their own wastewater treatment facilities, at the same time, identify those directly discharging untreated wastewater into Boracay waters.

Reports indicate that over 60 establishments, including five-star resorts, were found draining their untreated sewage water directly into the sea.

In his speech during the oath-taking of new government officials in Malacanang on Tuesday, the president announced that he was placing Boracay under a state of calamity.

He explained that this action would allow the government to extend assistance to those who are displaced financially.

Interior and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Eduardo Ano has been put under orders by Duterte to “put an end” to Boracay’s problem in six months.

The president appealed to the public to work with the government to clean the island.

Meanwhile, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III declared his support for a plan to close some parts of Boracay to tourists from June 1 to July 31.

“We must carefully assess the damage to the local environment and take the necessary steps for the clean-up. The process is more easily done and more effective if there are no tourists around,” Pimentel said.

He added that while he understood the difficulty involved in closing the island for two months, he added: “It will be good in the long run for all stakeholders, including the tourists who are there for the natural beauty of the island.”

He noted that closing tourist destinations to preserve them is nothing new, as Thailand closed Koh Tachai island in May 2016 when record numbers of tourists threatened the natural environment.

Tourism remains vibrant in Boracay

By Ellalyn De Veraruiz, Manila Bulletin

Boracay Island – Officials of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Tourism (DOT) conducted an aerial inspection of Boracay Island on Thursday, ahead of the Senate onsite investigation on the escalating environmental degradation in the world-famous beach resort in Aklan.

According to DENR Undersecretary and spokesman Jonas Leones, the officials are gathering sufficient evidence on the extent of pollution and contamination of its waters.

After the aerial inspection, the officials gathered for an inter-agency meeting in preparation for the Senate investigation this Friday.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, and DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, among others, were present during the meeting.

Teo noted that even amid reports of environmental problems in Boracay, tourism remains vibrant in the island.

But Mario, a 32-year-old hat vendor in Boracay who declined to reveal his surname, said that since the government’s plan to temporary close the island from tourism activities was made public, it has affected his and other ambulant vendors’ livelihood.

Mario, who relies on the crowds for his livelihood, said there were fewer tourists coming to the island in the past few days.

It has become evident with his regular earnings from an average of P8,000 per day, which is now down to about P2,000-P3,000 per day.

He said most of the ambulant vendors in Boracay have been complaining of lesser earnings.

Selling hats has been his family’s only source of livelihood for the past four years.

And with seven children to feed, the closure of Boracay island to tourist activities will inflict a huge blow on Mario’s family.

Should the government implements the temporary closure of the island to ease the negative impact of heavy tourism, he said he will just follow what the government deems beneficial for Boracay.

Another vendor, Rene, said he will just look for an alternative livelihood for the meantime. He has been selling sunglasses to tourists and visitors for the past four years.

The fate of the vendors and establishment workers in the island will partly rely on the decision of the Senate after its investigation scheduled this Friday.

The Senate will conduct an onsite inspection of the island before the Senate-led inquiry in the afternoon.

One of the issues that they will look into is the compliance of resorts and establishments to existing environment and tourism laws.

The roughly 1,000-hectare Boracay Island recently made headlines when President Duterte threatened to close it due to overdevelopment, congestion, and escalating environmental degradation.

Tags: Boracay Island, DENR, DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, environment and tourism, Jonas Leones, the Senate, Tourism remains vibrant in Boracay – Tourism chief

Boracay Newcoast Project Entices New Investors

 (philstar.com) 

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It seems that the island is already perfect as it is. But Megaworld's Global-Estate Resorts Inc. brings the island to a whole new level.

There's more to look forward to in Boracay with the development of an integrated tourism property inspired by the world's best beach neighborhoods.

Every city dweller in the country will likely agree that when you want a vacation that makes a balance between partying hard and relaxing rigorously, the island of Boracay is still the top choice.

It seems that the island is already perfect as it is. But Megaworld's Global-Estate Resorts Inc. brings the island to a whole new level as it develops Boracay Newcoast, a 150-hectare integrated tourism estate that melds the best beach neighbourhoods in the world.

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With Boracay's natural beauty coupled with state-of-the-art structures, your future visits to the island will truly be unlike anything you've ever experienced before. But more than that, Boracay Newcoast is a booming tourism estate where you can also be a stakeholder of the expansion—own a part of the township's residential spaces, shophouses, condominium hotels, and other real estate structures, and be a part of a vision to make Boracay an even more popular island, perfectly competitive globally.

Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Boracay Newcoast boasts of districts that offer titled lots ideal for the investing community. First is the Town Center North, consisting of the Shophouse District and the Boutique Hotel District.

The Shophouse District, inspired by communities like Key West in Florida and Old Town in Ibiza, mixes residential and commercial components, where owners can put up shops at the lower floor and have their home at the top floors.

Meanwhile, the Boutique Hotel District allows buyers to build their own hotel brands or tie up with foreign institutional hotels. This district is particularly enticing because their guests will have access to three private beach coves with one kilometer of pristine white sand.

Second is Boracay Newcoast's Newcoast Village, which offers lots ranging from 250 square meters to 375 square meters in an exclusive vacation-inspired subdivision setting. It will have exclusive amenities such as parks, pocket gardens and grill areas.

The community will also be brimmed with condominium clusters. The first one is Oceanway Residences, which now offers ready-for-occupancy units with views encompassing the beauty of the Fairways and Bluewater Golf Club and the Sibuyan Sea—an astonishing blend of blues and greens. For this reason, Oceanway Residences was awarded as the "Best Luxury Development (for a resort)" in the 2015 Philippines Property Awards.

For more information, contact via email boracaynewcoast@global-estate.ph, landline 553-0926 or mobile 0917-728-2284. Visit boracaynewcoast.ph and its Facebook account.

Slices of Boracay / Palawan Beaches in Quezon

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Inquirer Southern Luzon

By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.

“BORAWAN” is among Quezon province’s emerging destinations DELFIN P. MALLARI III

Dreaming of strolling on the powdery, white sand beaches of Boracay or spending a day marveling at rock formations of Palawan?

In Padre Burgos town in Quezon province, some 160 kilometers from Metro Manila, this “dream vacation” can be had without busting one’s pockets.

Padre Burgos, a quiet coastal town in the Bondoc Peninsula, has been steadily attracting visitors to its serene beaches and modest accommodations minus the boisterous crowd.

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Beach lovers can explore three destinations along the Tayabas Bay—Borawan, Dampalitan and Puting Buhangin—in a single package tour.

Jose Nañola, boat dispatcher at the pier in Barangay Campo, says more than 20 boats ferry 10 to 20 tourists who want to enjoy beach-hopping for P1,800.

Most tourists prefer visiting the Puting Buhangin (white sand) first, which is an hour’s boat ride from the port, followed by a 30-minute travel to Dampalitan. The final stop is a 15-minute travel to Borawan before guests are ferried back to the port.

For those choosing a single destination, the boatmen charge a lower fare.

“Tourists can even stay overnight in one place and they would be fetched by the boatman the next day using the same rate,” Nañola said.

‘Borawan’

A trip to Borawan costs P800 while beach-hopping to Borawan and Dampalitan costs P1,200. A direct trip to Puting Buhangin, the farthest of the three destinations, costs P1,800.

Borawan, one of the popular destinations located in the village of Lipata, got its name from a combination of its white sand beach and rock formations likened to the features of Boracay Island and Palawan. Locals say its name was coined by three Catholic priests who came when it was still unheard of among tourists.

The place, being operated by the Metro Manila-based Borawan Island Resort, is a 15-minute boat ride from the port.

For P150, a guest can experience a day of strolling along the white sand beach and dip in its crystal clear seas. An overnight stay would cost a visitor P220.

Students and senior citizens are charged P115 and P180, respectively. Children aged 4 years old and below are free of charge.

The resort has 22 huts, rented out for P850 to P1,200 each. It is divided into three stations: an area for huts and cottages, the “tent city” where guests stay in tents, and an area where eight air-conditioned hotel rooms featuring a restaurant and bar.

At Station 2 is a small variety store selling soda, bottled water and other food items.

A tent can be rented for P500 for 24 hours. A guest who wants to pitch their own tent would have to pay P200 to P250 for the space.

“The place may look costly for ordinary beach bums. But having a slice of Boracay and Palawan in one place is a thrilling experience,” said Ronald Garcia, a resident of Metro Manila who visited the Borawan recently with his friends.

A generator set lights up bulbs at the resort at night. Campfires are prohibited.

Beach lovers have started to notice Borawan in 2010 after a television show featured its natural charm.

Puting Buhangin

The more adventurous can trek and explore the four caves in the village overlooking the Tayabas Bay. Local tour guides are available for a modest fee.

An ideal place to commune with nature is Puting Buhangin beach in Pagbilao town, where the rock formation called Kuwebang Lampas (roughly translated, “see-through cave”) is among its iconic features.

The cave, partially submerged in clear waters, has another entrance at the other side of the rocky cliff.

Most visitors stay inside the cave for photo shoots and snorkeling. A guest is charged P80 for a day trip and P160 for an overnight stay. The place is being operated by Pagbilao Development Corp.

Dampalitan

The beach, located in Barangay Ibabang Polo, can also be reached through an 18-km trip from the Maharlika Highway. Guests have to park their vehicles far from the beach and walk for 15 minutes to reach the area.

The resort offers free tent space for guests. A tent can also be rented for P400 for a day.

For P60, a visitor can experience Dampalitan’s fresh air and pristine waters.

Its shoreline features 20-year-old agojo trees that provide shade to visitors.

The family-owned resort in Dampalitan offers simple amenities to their guests—huts with bamboo beds (papag) at P1,000 for an overnight stay; mobile phone charging  at P30; and free use of toilets and shower rooms but guests have to pay P400 for a drum of water.

Tourists are also allowed to pitch their own tents in any part of the island. A picnic table can be rented for P300 a day.

Local fishermen offer their fresh catch to resort guests. The resort staff can cook these for visitor or they can grill them beside their picnic tables.

These beach resorts are secured by private guards assisted by local policemen, barangay watchmen and local radio communication groups to ensure the safety of visitors.

The FHM Philippines Grind 2015 Gallery

Sun-Kissed Girls And Nightlong Partying: The FHM Boracay Grind 2015 Gallery

By Mary Rose A. Hogaza

After a year of waiting, we finally flew back to the country's premier party beach to host an unforgettable #LaBoracay banger—replete with booze, babes, sun and sand.

The FHM Boracay Grind party was held at Club Paraw last May 1, and it was a night headlined by ear-busting EDM tunes, overflowing drinks from Tanduay, and your favorite FHM girls!

We wish we could take all that awesomeness back in Manila, but nah, all we were able to bring back are these wonderful, wonderful photos. So, if you weren’t able to join us that night, we have here a recap of what happened that fateful summer night!

Check out more:

www.FHH.com.ph

News From The Philippines

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES Enlarge Photo 6th SUBIC BAY TO BORACAY RACE and BORACAY CUP REGATTA Yacht racing is recognized as a gentlemanly sport, rich in tradition, passion and strong sense of community. The rousing success of acclaimed past racing events in the Philippines has brought the country and its sailing community great pride. Such an event is the upcoming Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) from February 27 to March 2, followed immediately by the Boracay Cup Regatta (BCR) on March 2-6, 2015. “Over the years, we work tirelessly with our sailing partners toward opening more doors for occasions in spreading the spark of sailing and enliven big boat racing pursuits in the Philippines,” so said the SAGS Co-Chairman and The Lighthouse Marina Resort President, Jun Avecilla. Sailing enthusiasts and Grand Prix race boats have been attracted to the challenges that these races bring. The shifting winds that sailors encounter in Subic Bay, as well as en route to the beautiful island of Boracay cause headaches for the unwary, opportunities for the observant and hard work for the crews. Nevertheless, challengers anticipate the excitement and uncertainty towards the finish line and reap the rewards from their two to three days of gruelling racing. Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), the official airline partner, is working hand in hand with the organizers to bring in international competitors, to make this regatta an even more thrilling one. “International events like this can put the Philippines on the map for sailors and sailing enthusiasts in the region. CEB welcomes the racers to fun Philippines,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Stakes are high as Capt. Marty Rijkuris, organizer of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit (asianyachting.com) keeps score of the regattas that count towards the much coveted AY Skipper and Yacht of the Year. The race to Boracay and the Boracay Cup are two out of the twelve races which are conducted across South East Asia, in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong that award points to the winners. The accolades are given at the end of the racing season in Koh Samui. Jelik (title holder of 2013 Yacht of the Year) owned by Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of 2013, Frank Pong, snatched the combined Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014 title from two-year consecutive champion Karakoa skippered by Ray Ordoveza in the IRC Racing Class. One of the best race management teams in Asia will be led by renowned International Race Officer Jerry Rollin for both events, ensuring a high standard and world class race conduct. Starting the race in Subic Bay provides the advantages of safe marina facilities and the wide expanse of Subic Bay for the start and this is more than matched by the windy conditions in Boracay that makes for an exceptional racing experience. Truly, sailing is more fun in the Philippines. The Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta is spearheaded by Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing, (also known as SAGS), Asian Yachting Grand Prix and Philippine Sailing Association, co-presented by PLDT Alpha, in conjunction with Resorts World Manila, Watercraft Venture Corporation and The Lighthouse Marina Resort. In cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay HATS & Visitors Board, Olongapo City, Department of Tourism, Province of Aklan, Municipality of Malay, Philippine Coast Guard and the Regatta’s Official Airline Partner, Cebu Pacific. Major Sponsors include PLDT SME Nation, North Philippines Visitors Bureau, North Luzon Expressway, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Tanduay, ICTSI-Subic, Allphones, Ruckus Wireless, Pepsi Cola Inc. and Tourism Promotions Board Official Media Partners Manila Bulletin, Wondertower Creative, Asia Pacific Boating Hotel Partners are Sea Wind Resort, Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Regency Beach and Spa, Discovery Shores, Terrace Hotel and Bayfront Hotel. Minor Sponsors Smart Satellite, Sand Bar Beach Club, Quiksilver, Autohub, Petron, Jack Daniels, PLDT Subictel, Broadwater Marine, International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, Phinsaf, Papaya Yacht Charter and Services, and San Miguel Brewery. Media Partners Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Calibre, Business Mirror, La Isla Magazine, Freeport Cable Inc., Batang Gapo News TV, Subic Times, Fragrant Harbo