STAKEHOLDERS IN Boracay have pledged to police their own ranks to ensure compliance to environmental and other laws as the resort island prepares to reopen for tourists. “I believe we all had an understanding that each sector shall police its own ranks by making sure members abide by the rules and regulations to operate. Boracay stakeholders heartily accepted their shortcomings and are doing their best to be compliant,” said Department of Tourism-Western Visayas (DoT-6) Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas. The Boracay Stakeholders Core Group recently met with Tourism Undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. to discuss the programs on compliance, accreditation, trainings, and promotions and marketing. “We will make sure Boracay is ready with its services and facilities before reopening. We have the support of our stakeholders, and with that, we are assured that a better, cleaner and environment-friendly Boracay Island will welcome us soon,” Ms. Catalbas said. The DoT-6 will conduct trainings for Boracay frontliners starting this month in preparation for the reopening in October. The Boracay group, meanwhile, sought government assurance that only compliant establishments would be allowed to operate. Ms. Catalbas said the core group also suggested that regulatory bodies expedite the processing of permits and clearances in consideration of the carrying capacity of the island, which has yet to be released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Boracay’s six-month closure started on April 26. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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