Boracay bans processed meat, canned goods

The Caticlan Jetty Port has urged domestic and foreign tourists not to bring canned or processed goods in coming to this resort island.

In a forum with stakeholders and the media Thursday, jetty port administrator lawyer Selwyn Ibaretta said the measure, however, is only temporary due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) scare all over the world.

“Both the Caticlan Airport and the Kalibo International Airport already has a measures in place prohibiting the entry of these canned and processed meat foods. What we wanted to protect is those going to Boracay via the Strong Republic Nautical Highway and from local transport,” he said.

Tourists usually bring canned and processed meat foods to Boracay as their cheaper source of foods while visiting. Tourists who will bring meat canned and processed foods will be confiscated by the jetty port securities.

Tourists could instead buy canned meat and processed foods at the local stores in Boracay as these passes through strict security screenings. Hotels were also advised not to give their spoiled food for hogs.

In a press conference held after the forum, Ibaretta said they will visit Chinese and South Korean restaurants here to see if they are also actively campaigning against the spread of ASF.

Last week, the Department of Agriculture has monitored ASF cases in Luzon and the province is wary that it could reach the province due to the availability of transport.