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Boracay shops playing loud music, violating other rules face removal of accreditation —DOT


Establishments who will continue to violate rules in the resort-island of Boracay might lose their accreditation in providing services to tourists, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on Friday.

Puyat made the remark after some tourists and establishments violated some guidelines in the island such as those against smoking, loud music, "commercially-made" sandcastles as the country observed the Undas holidays.

"Our tourist cops reminded of the guidelines and they turned off the music... If they are not complying with the guidelines which are all based on local ordinances and laws, they will be given citation tickets," Puyat said.

"If ayaw pa rin makining, we may have to remove their accreditation... unfair to those who are following," she added.

Beach parties and loud music, grilling, smoking, building huge sandcastles, fire dancing, and tattoo and massage sessions along the 30-meter easement zone of the beachfront are banned in Boracay.

The Tourism chief said violators will be issued with "citation tickets" as a warning.

"There were a few people caught smoking and building commercially made sandcastle but were again reminded that it is prohibited," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a text message.

Boracay was reopened on October 26 after it was closed for six months for rehabilitation.

A total of 157 accommodation establishments have been allowed by the Boracay Inter-agency Task Force to accept visitors.

When the island was officially reopened, Puyat encouraged visitors to be responsible tourists.

“It is the key to the preservation of this national treasure. The Boracay experience is the ultimate lesson in balancing development and protecting the environment. The lessons learned here are not for Boracay alone but also for the other island destinations around our beautiful country,” Puyat said. —NB, GMA News

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