The estimate of six months to rehabilitate and restore Boracay is not enough. We need to be accurate about this. I strongly agree that Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu must be heeded on his observation that there’s no “coliform decline” in the restoration process being done, prompting him to say that he will “withhold endorsing the reopening of Boracay to tourism until the fecal coliform has declined to a safe level” (“No coliform decline, no Boracay reopening–Cimatu,” 5/23/18).
Tourism is an industry that allows the influx of different types of people having different tastes, with different needs, acting along different lifestyles, having different beliefs and customs, and with different tempers. They must be given the best service and comfort, a better if not the best destination where they are assured of their safety and security.
With the sad findings, Cimatu was able to expose the ill effects the island has suffered for decades due to the irresponsible implementation of the island’s tourism development programs.
Worst was when Cimatu found a government-built sewage pipe running along the beach “contributing to coliform pollution in Boracay.”
This proves the “gross neglect” by concerned agencies, a lamentable assessment that would take a long time to correct. What must be given more attention in this closure is to fully complete rehabilitation operations and reduce all these handicaps that would turn tourists off Boracay.
The reopening of Boracay to tourism after six-months must be wisely considered. Restoring the island’s image must be the top priority.
JOSE M. BRIONES, jomebriones@yahoo.com