ILOILO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has allowed a fireworks show for the first time in five years to welcome the New Year at world-famous Boracay Island.
DENR Region 6 director Livino Duran did not object to the request made by the local government of Malay, the town in Aklan province where Boracay Island is geographically located.
“The holiday season is here and we are anticipating an influx of tourists to spend their holiday vacation in the island,” said Mayor Frolibar Bautista.
“It is the responsibility of this LGU to create quality and memorable experiences for tourists visiting Boracay Island as well as the local residents,” added Mayor Bautista.
The annual fireworks were stopped as then President Rodrigo Duterte instructed a massive rehabilitation of the country’s famous beach destination in 2018. Then in the early part of 2020, Covid-19 pandemic was declared.
Major business group Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) is sponsoring the 20-minute fireworks show.
In allowing the Boracay fireworks show, Duran laid down three basic rules which include conducting the activity 100 meters off-shore; the use of safer pyrotechnics; and the proper cleanup thereafter.