DENR presents road improvement plans in Boracay

The Department of Environment And Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday shared with the press details of the proposed road rehabilitation in Boracay.

The DENR will be working in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve accessibility on the island, which has been operating beyond capacity.

"I don't know if you have gone there, [but] when you reach the pier, you go to your hotel...it will take you about an hour to reach your hotel," Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

The construction of missing link of diversion road from Tulubhan to Bulabog is scheduled from April to December, with an estimated cost of P50 million.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Friday, April 6, 2018, shows a map of the proposed road improvements in Boracay. Aya Tantiangco

"We will be constructing a road that will decongest the only road...if you go to the area for the hotels, there is only one road available for you. D'on na lahat ang gumagalaw. So, ngayon, gusto namin gagawa ng road on the other side," Cimatu explained.

Aside from improving accessibility, the new road will make space for tourists and "logistics."

Boracay will be formally closed to tourists starting April 26. Security in the island will be tight, with business owners and employees required to present  identification to enter the island. — RSJ, GMA News