Boracay fire dancers ‘must use LED devices instead’

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urged hundreds of fire dancers in this famed island resort to use LED (light-emitting diode) devices.

DENR undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force will prohibit fire dancing in the island starting Oct. 26.

This is aimed at protecting the Boracay beaches, where kerosene used in fire dancing is spilled.

“Fire dancers can use technologies such as LED lights instead. The task force would definitely prohibit fire dancing,” said Antiporda.

He added: “The national government can support the displaced fire dancers in Boracay if needed.”

Boracay was ordered shut beginning April 26 for a half-year rehabilitation after President Rodrigo Duterte called it a “cesspool.”

The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force was then formed to “reverse” the island’s poor environmental condition. It is led by the DENR, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

On Oct. 15, the holiday island was opened to local tourists for an 11-day dry run of its tourism operations.

When it officially reopens on Oct. 26, Boracay will greet local and foreign tourists with fresh guidelines like the ban on wild beach parties and a daily tourist cap.