Except for Boracay, Aklan’s QR code requirement lifted

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Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, however, excluded the world-famous Boracay Island in his Executive Order No. 003 released July 4.

Miraflores said Boracay tourists, especially those who would be staying for at least one night, would still need to secure and present a QR code when traveling to the island to ensure the safety of tourists amid the threat of COVID-19.

“All tourists are still required to secure a QR code before they are allowed to enter Boracay Island,” he said.

Data released by the Malay Tourism Office indicated that the island had up to 186,000 visitors as of April 2022, with a national government-mandated daily cap of 19,215 based on the island’s carrying capacity.

The highest arrivals so far were during Maundy Thursday (April 14) when the number of daily tourists hit 12,176.

Former governor Florencio Miraflores, father of the incumbent governor, earlier required travelers to present the health declaration system for the AkQuiRe QR pass, proof of identification, proof of vaccination or a negative swab test result, a copy of booking confirmation with an accredited accommodation establishment, and roundtrip travel details.

The QR code may be accessed through https://touristboracay.com.

“For more than a year now, COVID-19 cases in the province of Aklan are at a minimum and the requirements of the QR Code System for returning Aklanons and travelers is of no consequence for the purpose for which it was implemented,” the younger Miraflores said.

“The QR code requirement for all returning Aklanons and travelers is hereby lifted. But this is only for Aklanons and non-Aklanon persons whose point of destination is mainland Aklan and not going to Boracay Island as visitors,” he said.

A QR code has been used by many local governments to assist public health authorities to find persons who are at risk more quickly, thus helping them to get early diagnosis and treatment and to ensure that everyone is protected at all times.