(Eagle News) – Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu assured the public that Boracay Island will officially reopen on October 26 after the six-month period set for its rehabilitation.
Cimatu made the categorical announcement during Wednesday’s hearing in Congress which is inquiring into the building of illegal structures in the world-renowned resort island.
“I would like to say categorically that we will be opening Boracay on October 26,” Cimatu said during the hearing before members of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
He said that the rehabilitation efforts have improved Boracay, which he said was “no longer a cesspool.”
Boracay was first ordered closed by President Rodrigo Duterte after noting that it has become a “cesspool” of waste as establishments threw directly to the water even their sewage without first undergoing treatment.
Duterte set a period of six months since the closure of Boracay on April 26 for its immediate rehabilitation. He had since ordered Boracay to be under land reform.
“When we started the counting, it was from April 26. But [the rehabilitation] should be made within six months, [or until] October 26 or October 27. But nevertheless, we will open it on October 26,” Cimatu said during the House hearing.
“Categorically, I am telling you that Boracay is no longer a cesspool,” he added.
