DENR exec: Boracay front beach, Puka beach safe for swimming

The front beach and Puka beach of the world famous Boracay Island resort are safe for swimming, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Tuesday.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones made the announcement in Malacañang three days before the island known for its soft, white sand will reopen on October 26.

“‘Yung sa beach front and Puka beach, safe for swimming [na ang tubig]. Sa may Bulabog part, may problema pa ang quality ng tubig kaya hindi muna puede ang sport at swimming activities,” Leones said.

There are 150 hotels good for 5,000 rooms which will be available by reopening of Boracay island on October 26.

Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, for his part, called on the public to book their hotel first before their plane tickets in going to Boracay considering the limited number of hotels which were found compliant of laws.

“We suggest  that they book a room in an accredited hotel first. Peak months is February to May, so if you are going on these months, baka maubusan ka ng airline [flights] and hotels,” Malaya added.

Prior to Boracay’s closure six months ago, the government estimated that this will result in P56 billion worth of foregone revenues.

No less than President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Boracay’s closure, saying that it has became a cesspool due to poor sewage system in the island. — RSJ, GMA News