Green light for water sports activities in ‘new’ Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

It is just a matter of time for the usual water sports activities for tourists will be allowed to operate in ‘new’ Boracay Island.

Environment secretary Roy Cimatu said ‘non-motorized and outdoor water sports” like paraw sailing, kite surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddling will start operations beginning November 3.

“Sa first week ng Boracay re-opening, na set na natin ang limits ng swimming areas, then we could now allow ang mga non-motorized water sports activities,” Cimatu stressed. 

On November 7, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will also permit water sports operators to offer jet skiing, flying fish and banana boat rides, diving and parasailing to tourists. 

The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force also opened  the Boracay wetland conservation park and viewing deck, a 'new destination’ in Boracay for tourists.

“Dahil may ibang makikita ang mga turista, na didistribute natin ang carrying capacity, hindi lamang doon sa mga water sport activities at beaches ang bulk ng turista,” Cimatu added. 

Prior to Boracay rehabilitation, illegal structures, houses and informal settlers occupied the wetlands. These wetlands will be restored and developed by the private companies into parks.

Five out of 9 wetlands in Boracay have yet to be cleared by DENR and the task force of illegal structures and settlers. 

Boracay’s visitor numbers are also up so far since it re-opened on October 26.  

Data from Caticlan jetty port showed 6,651 tourists - October 30 with 3,095 and October 29 with 3,556 stayed in Boracay.  As of November 1 at 5 p.m. tourists totalled 4,650. 

The 157 hotels and resorts accredited by Department of Tourism were also fully booked from November 1 to 5.