Safety of Boracay tourists remains DoT's priority on Holy Week

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has seen an upsurge in tourist arrivals so far this Holy Week in Boracay Island.

Tourism officer Artemio Ticar noted the number of visitors from April 1 to 15 reached 85,820. The Chinese, Koreans and Taiwanese remain the three largest sources of international tourists, he said.

Ticar remains confident that Boracay Island will accommodate an average of 5,000 domestic and foreign tourists daily during the Holy Week.

“The safety and security (of tourists) is the top priority of DoT Boracay. Siksikan na halos Cagban and Caticlan terminal ports dahil sa dami ng turista,” he said on Wednesday. 

Ticar said the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police have been on alert ahead of the Holy Week to ensure the safe travel of visitors in Boracay Island and Aklan. 

Ticar also reminded the visitors to be more cautious of their safety and security over partying and enjoyment in the observance of Lenten in the resort-island.

The municipal government of Malay, which has jurisdiction over Boracay Island, has issued Executive Order No. 10 series of 2014 banning loud noise and parties from 6 a.m. of Good Friday to 6 a.m. of Black Saturday. 

Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 015 seriees of 2009 also prohibits the issuance of permits to events during the period.