Just two months since its closure, top tourist destination Boracay Island is no longer a “cesspool” following intensified rehabilitation efforts to regain its status, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday. Duterte issued Proclamation No. 475 placing Boracay under a state of calamity for six months because of the environmental issues hounding the island, including the lack of proper sewerage system. The six-month closure starting April 26 is expected to cost the economy some P1.9 billion and affect about 35,000 workers, according to officials. Despite its impact on the economy and employment, the temporary closure is supported by a majority or more than 60 percent of Filipinos, according to a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Simeon, L. M., & Romero A. (2018, July 5). Boracay no longer a cesspool, may reopen Oct. 26. Philippine Star, p. 3.