MALACAÑANG Manila. Philippines (September 13, 2018) – During the press conference, the session addresses the reopening of Boracay Island for tourist on October. The government says the Island can only carry or accommodate around six thousand 'plus' tourists aside as from its residence, mentioned by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque yesterday September 12. However, there are no 'exact' figures on how many tourists that can be accommodated.
According to the data that was presented in the Cabinet, the number of tourists that visit Boracay did not exceed seven thousand. ‘Although there is a maximum capacity that was defined, for now, historically it did not exceed because there is not enough room for tourist in excess of that number. So far, that is only the number of tourist the Island can accommodate, and according to the data of the municipality of Malay and the DOT, the earlier records did not show any excessive number of tourist visited’ - Roque said.
Roque also added that maybe it is important (to allow only a defined number of tourist) to guide us for new development in the Island. ’ It is very important for the master plan for the Island in the future. We are already achieved the Island’s maximum holding capacity, so let’s be warned that maybe the island cannot handle any mega development.’
In the conference, they also address about the circumferential road and what is the update of the construction from DPWH. Roque stated that even though Secretary Romulo Puyat is always mentioning the reopening of the Island, it doesn’t mean that the project is already done. The first phase is over and they will proceed with the second and the third phase. Obviously, the circumferential road is not yet finished.
