Boracay Clean Up Starts, Baguio And Other Tourist Spots Eyed For Rehabilitation

Over 200 volunteers join the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) cleanup operations of Boracay island that started today. The group first cleaned up Bulabog Beach on the island. Volunteers came from the Department of Environment’s Environmental Management Bureau, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, Caticlan Airport, resort employees and municipalities of Aklan province.

The government previously announced that the island destination will be closed off to tourists starting Apr. 26. Tourists have started leaving the island a few days before closure. DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier declared that rehabilitation efforts will continue while waiting for the President to declare a state of calamity for Boracay. In the meantime, various national government agencies are pitching in resources for rehabilitation.

DOT: Baguio And Other Tourist Spots For Possible Rehabilitation

Boracay’s predicament has made the government look at other tourist spots in the country that may be in need of rehabilitation. According to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, Baguio will be on top of the list, along with other destinations whether they are in a beach area or not.

DENR has begun their assessments of different areas such as Panglao Island in Bohol, El Nido and Coron in Palawan and Pagudpud in Ilocos. Together with the local government units, steps are already being taken to address environmental problems and prevent another closure from happening.

Local Environmental Groups Support Call

A local environmental group, Baguio ReGreening Movement (BRM) supports DOT’s call. BRM chairman Erdolfo Balajadia called it “an eye opener.” Speaking at a weekly environmental forum, the City Environment and Parks Management Office Chief Cordelia Lacsamana said that it is “an opportunity for us to strategically and logically look for ways on how we should handle the rehabilitation process and not as a negative issue.

Baguio, like Boracay, attracts hordes of visitors especially during summer and holidays. During the 2018 Panagbenga Festival, a record 1.5 million tourists flocked to the Summer Capital. The city is already experiencing problems related overpopulation and congestion – traffic, garbage and water shortage.