Duterte on Boracay: I could not allow this decay to continue

“Boracay island, widely regarded as one of our country’s treasures and admired worldwide for its natural beauty, has sadly become the representation of governance and government’s neglect,” President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday  in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“ I could not allow this decay to continue. Decisive action has long been overdue, recognizing that we are mere stewards of our natural resources.,” he said as he also admitted his share of fault in the degradation of the world-famous tourist destination.

“Environmental protection and ensuring the health of our people cannot be  over emphasized,” he added.

READ: Duterte delivers 48-minute expletive-free Sona speech

The President strongly urged local government units to do their part in conserving and protecting the environment.

“I urge the local government units to proactively enforce our laws and not wait for us to swoop down on your areas just to do your duty and work,” he stressed.

Duterte said the rehabilitation of other tourist destinations in the country will follow.

After tagging Boracay as a “cesspool,” the President ordered the island closed on April 26.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Boracay will open on October 26. /ee

READ: No longer a cesspool, Boracay to reopen on Oct. 26 – Cimatu