The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking to shorten the closure period for Boracay to four months from six, but the number of visitors allowed when it reopens will be slashed, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said yesterday. A masterplan to redevelop Boracay into a livable and greener community will be finalized after its rehabilitation, Teo said. “I think we can do it in four months. That’s why we wanted total closure, for us to do it fast,” she said in an interview with ANC. President Duterte had said Boracay had turned into a “cesspool” due to pollution. When it is reopened, Teo said the number of visitors to Boracay, which a decade ago was found to be capable of accommodating only about 25,000, will be limited. The number of people on the island now goes as high as 75,000, she said.

Talavera, C., Marcelo, E., Jaymalin, M., Rendon, J. P., Porcalla, D., & Padin, M. G.(2018, April 12). Shorter Boracay closure eyed. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 7.