It’s time to support our local economy, with safety precautions in placed

Our travel plans had to be postponed this 2020 due to the pandemic, leaving us dreaming of when we would get to embark on new adventures again. I must admit, that despite the announcement of Boracay opening its doors to local tourists last October 1, riding a plane wasn’t part of our plans for this year. I’m sure most of you feel the same way, but all that changed when we took the plunge and booked a flight to Boracay recently—and we don't regret it one bit. Here’s why you should consider getting reacquainted with our very own pristine-white and powdery sand beach island.

Good behavior on board the flight.
All passengers are required to get a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test prior to the flight date, so one is assured that everyone on board has a very high percent chance of being free from Covid-19. You would also be glad to know that all the passengers in my flight were well-behaved and followed all the protocols, including wearing their face masks and shields the whole time—before, during, and after the flight.

Complete pre-flight requirements.
There are extra steps involved such as filling out the health declaration form and submitting PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests results, hotel booking, and official identification documents via e-mail before your flight. You will also need to print these out and present them upon landing. Failure to submit all these requirements, along with body temperature scan, will not grant you a pass from the airport of Boracay.

All the locals follow the safety protocols.
From airport crew to the transport staff, everyone is wearing face masks and shields. Alcohol dispensers and body thermometers are also strategically placed for quick spot checks. Curfew is also implemented and strictly followed.

Social distancing as far as the eye can see.
Local tourists are well-behaved all throughout their stay in the island. Despite having tested Covid-19 free pre-flight, everyone still wore their face shields and masks and stayed within their respective travel groups. The limited number of flights to Boracay and a handful of hotel establishments and restaurants in operation make it possible to implement social distancing.

Time to jumpstart the economy.
That being said, Boracay island feels like a ghost town. Sure, I welcome the peace and quiet that is reminiscent of the early ‘90s, but my heart goes out to the locals. Every chance I get to chat with the locals, the manang who grills (which took us days to search), the crew at Jonah’s shakes, the e-trike drivers, the hotel staff and more, everyone is hoping that Boracay will go back to its heyday—where friends get together and share a sunset or two in this local paradise.