THE Duterte government re-opened the world-famous Boracay Island for a 10-day dry run beginning Monday, October 15, nearly six months after the renowned tourist destination was shut down to pave for massive rehabilitation.
The island's grand opening has been set for October 26.
As of October 12, 68 hotels and resorts with a total of 3,519 rooms have been declared ready by the Department of Tourism for the re-opening.
The Boracay inter-agency task force led Monday the dry-run for the island's grand opening.
For now, a limited number of tourists can enjoy the privilege of having a sneak preview of the current state of Boracay, which was once dubbed as "cesspool" by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, chair of the task force on Boracay rehabilitation, said the famous beach destination is now in a "better" condition, following the government's efforts to address the environmental problems plaguing the island.
"Today is indeed a beautiful day, a historic and momentous day, for today is the rebirth of Boracay Island. From being dubbed as cesspool to its closure for the island to rest and undergo massive rehabilitation and recovery efforts, we offer to you now a better Boracay," he said.
"Boracay business is now a sight to behold. And the entire island will be even grander in the near future," he added.
Boracay is known for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise water, rich water sports, and vibrant night life.
However, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered it closed to local and foreign tourists for six months starting April 26 this year to allow its rehabilitation.
The dry run of Boracay's partial opening will end on October 25.
Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año, vice chair of Boracay inter-agency task force, said that the government would ensure that Boracay would not suffer again from any environmental woes.
"I am proud to declare that Boracay Island is now back to a better state, incorporating sustainable governance, business stability, and continuous peace and order," he said.
"However, achieving all of this is only the start. We need to guarantee the continuity of this milestone to prevent the recurrence of previous issues. So to assure sustainable governance, strict monitoring on the implementation of the law is observed," he added.
The President skipped the partial opening of the Boracay island.
In a speech delivered on Sunday, October 14, Duterte said he had no plans to attend the ceremony.
He, however, expressed his intent to visit Boracay one day to lead the distribution of the lands that will be distributed to the indigenous peoples residing on the island.
"I'm not into sumptuous celebrations. But I will go to Boracay to personally distribute the land reform program certificates to the Lumads there," he said.
"Para sa akin, mas importante 'yan (To me, that is more important). I am thorugh with the dramas and show-offs. I'm stuck with my term and I do not have to go politicking. I might go there someday but not just to [promote the island]," Duterte added.
Duterte has wanted to place the entire Boracay under land reform program in a bid to let poor and indigenous familities benefit from the island's profits. (VoxPop Philippines)