The poor sewage system in Boracay has prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to order the closure of Boracay to both local and foreign tourists for a period of 6 months starting from 26 April till 26 October 2018.
Photo taken from Sky News
A Cesspool Behind Paradise
As reported by CNN, the island of Boracay has attracted almost 1.7 million tourists in just 10 months but Tourism Undersecretary Ricky Alegre calls the world-class destination comes with poor services.
Many establishments in Boracay inclusive of residential and business properties have violated Philippine’s water treatment laws by directly channelling waste water into the sea with no discharge permit.
Due to the unregulated developments and unmanaged pollution in the idyllic island, Duterte claims “as long as there is shit coming out of those pipes draining to the sea, I will never give you the time of the day (to return)”.
Photo taken from Aljazeera
The Clean-up Stage
The closing of Boracay is predicted to affect the Philippine economy with many local people being laid off work to make way for the environment to recover and rebuild what was compromised in the past. However, the immediate closure will only apply to tourists without disrupting the lives of the residents on the island.
It is expected that better infrastructures and sewage system to be implemented in this process to save the island.
Photo taken from The Philippines
Change of Plans
Travellers that have bought AirAsia tickets to Boracay from 26 April to 26 October 2018 are eligible for full refund or opt for credit in AirAsia BIG Loyalty account.
If you are still looking forward to a holiday, change your destination to any domestic flights in Philippines with no extra cost within 30 days of original travel date or move your Boracay flight date to the future.
Guests who wish for the actions above are advised to fill in an e-Form available on www.support.airasia.com for further assistance.
Words by Jessy Wong
