‘Perfect’ Boracay still at 70 percent says exec

(Chinese elder tourists enjoys the white beach alongside the local Filipino children in Boracay. (Jun N. Aguirre)

BORACAY Island-- The ongoing rehabilitation of this resort island in order to attain its perfect state is still at 60 to 70 percent at this time says the head of the Boracay Inter Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG).

In an interview, Natividad Bernardino who heads the BIARMG said they are currently preparing for the week long anniversary of the Boracay closure on April 26. 

The BIARMG is formerly known as the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force which is being chaired by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu.

“Ever since Boracay reopened six months after in Boracay, the BIARMG is currently monitoring rehabilitation works to include water quality assessment on the beach, road rehabilitation are still currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways, among others,” Bernardino said.

The Philippine National Police and the local government of Malay is also coordinating with the BIARMG to soon implement a disciplined zone in all the areas of Boracay.

“There's still much work and things need to be done. As of this time, the Boracay front beach is safe from swimming while we are monitoring the water quality of Bulabog beach and other areas,” she added.

The BIARMG is also now studying the impact of influx of both Chinese businesses and tourists in this resort island.