Do you want to go to Boracay but you need to get a vaccine booster shot against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? No need to worry because it’s now available on the island.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that fully vaccinated local and foreign tourists visiting Boracay can walk-in and get booster shots so they can be protected while on vacation.
“Just yesterday, the Philippines finally opened its borders to inbound leisure travel, a development we have been waiting for after nearly two years. We expect Boracay Island, our crown jewel of tourism, to once again fill up with travelers from around the world,” said Puyat on Friday, Feb. 11.
Puyat was in Boracay for the launching of the "Resbakuna sa Botika" program at the Watson’s Pharmacy City Mall.
She was joined at the launch by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) Chief Implementer, Secretary Vince Dizon, NTF Deputy Chief Implementer and Testing Czar, Undersecretary Anthony Gerard Gonzales, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Aklan Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores and Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista.
The government officials also visited the Paradise Garden Resort for the roll out of the "Resbakuna KIDS" program in Boracay.
“The Resbakuna sa Botika Program will provide an added layer of protection to the island’s domestic visitors. This will impact on the tourism industry and all the Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on tourism.”
“Without a doubt, this program, which makes it even more convenient for the island’s population to gain access to life-saving vaccine, will help bring the boosted vaccination rate closer to 100 percent much faster than before,” added Puyat as licensed pharmacists would administer the booster shot.
Puyat commended the local chief executives of Aklan and Malay town for the "impressive" inoculation rates among Boracay’s tourism workers.
Based on the DOT’s data as of Feb. 10, a total of 17,910 or 102.51 percent of the targeted population of tourism workers on the island have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
A total of 2,671 or 15.29 percent have also been given booster shots.
“This number is expected to boost the confidence of tourists in travelling to Boracay, knowing that the people who make their stay wonderful are protected,” Puyat said.
Puyat also mentioned the inspections related to accreditation, minimum health and safety guidelines, and Safety Seal certifications are continuously being conducted by the DOT’s Boracay Field Office to prepare Boracay tourism establishments for the anticipated influx of visitors.
A total of 81 accommodation establishments and one travel and tour agency/operator in Boracay were certified under the Safety Seal program last Tuesday. A total of 24 entities, including the island itself as a tourist destination, have already received the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
“I am looking forward to our discussions on how we can further improve Boracay’s recovery,” said Puyat.
“It’s always good to hear your perspective and opinions on the situation. I assure you, the DOT respectfully takes these into account whenever we formulate our policies and programs to bring forth a safer, stronger, and more inclusive tourism industry,” she added.