It made me sad when I heard the news about how the world-famous white sand beaches of Boracay is faring.
My screenshot from google search
Some 200 commercial establishments in Boracay face closure, authorities said Friday, as they moved to contain human waste contamination in waters of Philippine tourism's crown jewel.
Source
WOWPhilippines
Boracay is undoubtedly one of those places in the country that makes that WOW in the Philippines. It is picture perfect place with those white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. It is definitely one of the world's top destinations for relaxation.
See that powdery white sand
Picture is mine
Photo-Op at Puca Beach after buffet lunch
Picture is mine
Relaxation
Seafood Feast
Water Activities - Banana Boat, Jetski
Cliff Diving
Sunset-Watching
So yes, there is a good reason why Boracay is one of the top tourists' destination.
Truly, there is paradise on this Island
Yet, all of those might be lost.
The President is serious in shutting down the island if the problem on its wastes will not be addressed properly. It might be a drastic move to close this tourist destination, but it is punishment for an erring child who has not obeyed the rules set by the parents. On this point, several business establishments failed to meet the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in releasing untreated sewage into Boracay's waters.
The Provincial Government of Aklan and DENR committed a 5 million pesos each to be released this month to fund the opening, cleaning and clearing of canals
Source
Reality Bites
Truly it is a challenge to keep the island in the way it was -- before all the business establishments and the tourists who decided to reside on the island.
Based on Department of Tourism (DOT) data, the total number of tourist arrivals in Boracay in 2016 was 1,725,483... Assuming the average length of stay of tourists in Boracay is 3 days, tourism development specialist Mark Evidente said the number of tourists on the island every day is 14,182.
Source
Additionally, with lower flight charges and different promos and packages available, tourism growth is expected to continue in the coming years
With that said experts suggested a year ago that it is high time to limit the number of tourists visiting the island. There is a good reason for that suggestion. Since an overwhelming 10,000 kilos of trash was left on the island after the famous "Laboracay" event that happens every Labor Day.
Statistics say, as of last year, Boracay houses more or less 40,000 people or an estimated 8,000 household. The sad news is 75% are not yet connected to the sewer lane and their sewer line goes directly to the sea. We can only imagine or choose not to imagine.
Photo by Rhys Buccat, ABS-CBN News
Not too late
It is a good thing that the problem is being addressed NOW. Better late than never. It has been a predicted problem. News has it two to three years ago. Practically, in such a small island catering to so many people, it is just but necessary to have a good waste-management system. Otherwise, tragedy will happen -- mpending tragedy for this paradise.
If the warnings are not heeded, Evidente said tourists should expect a sad-looking Boracay in the near future.
Source
We are hoping that business establishments on the island would do every measure to protect it -- help save Boracay. Besides, that is where their businesses are.
We are hoping too that government officials responsible on the solving/monitoring the problem at hand would keep their integrity and be committed to their mission. Help save Boracay.
We are hoping that tourists and residents alike would do their share in saving Boracay.
Until then, we can only hope and pray that every measure be made to SAVE BORACAY.
And when Boracay's all clean, in maybe 6 months, I would be the first to hit the plane and get my two-piece ready. Aw! Wow, sexy! este WOW Philippines! ;P
It will definitely be MORE FUN in the Philippines!
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