The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday announced the cancellation of all “LoveBoracay” events in April to May due to threat of the COVID-19 disease.
According to Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, the decision to cancel Aklan’s Boracay Island’s most important event was arrived at during the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force’s March 12 meeting.
“Since the COVID-19 situation has not improved, and with the health of attendees, organizers and stakeholders, a primary consideration, the BIATF has decided to cancel this event,” he said.
The task force, chaired by Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, took into consideration the recent developments on COVID-19, particularly the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte of a state of public health emergency.
“LoveBoracay” has replaced the infamous “Laboracay,” a week-long series of events celebrating the rehabilitation of the world-famous resort island slated for April 26 to May 2.
“Should the island be contaminated, tourists will avoid the island, businesses will incur losses and workers may be laid off,” Antiporda said.
He warned of possible consequences should “LoveBoracay” push through since it could increase the risk of the virus entering the island.
Boracay remains COVID-19-free to date, he assured.
Meanwhile, Antiporda described the improvement on the island as “overwhelming” two years after it was closed to tourists for six months to pave the way for much-needed rehabilitation.
“The President’s order to BIATF, led by the DENR, DILG and DOT, was to restore the water quality of the island, which he described as a cesspool,” Antiporda pointed out. “The task force has already done this. It’s ‘mission accomplished’ for the task force,” he said.