Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday urged and invited to visit Boracay Island after long months of lockdown.
“Ang mensahe po ng Presidente, kinakailangang mabuhay po tayo sa kabila ng COVID-19… Panahon na po para tayo ay magbakasyon matapos ng napakatagal na lockdown, lalong-lalo na sa Metro Manila,” Roque said on Monday during his regular press briefing from the white sand shores of Boracay.
(The President’s message is that we need to live with COVID-19. It’s time to take a vacation after the long lockdown, especially in Metro Manila.)
Roque and his team went to Boracay to shoot a promotional video featuring himself. The world-renowned tourist destination on October 1.
“Ang talagang messaging po natin ngayon doon sa advertisement na pinroduce ng Office of the Press Secretary at suportado po ng IATF, DOH, at Department of Finance: ingat-buhay para sa hanapbuhay… ‘Yan din po ang thrust ng second National Action Plan ng national task force on COVID-19,” the Malacañang official said.
(Our real messaging now as seen in the advertisement produced by the Office of the Press Secretary and supported by the IATF, DOH, and Department of Finance: taking care of yourself while supporting other people’s livelihoods. That’s also the thrust of the second National Action Plan of the national task force on COVID-19.)
Also read: No more age limit for tourists visiting Boracay Island
Roque invites Filipinos to spend vacation in Boracay
According to Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, only around 50 tourists per day visited Boracay.
Roque said he doubts if tourists still want to visit Boracay given the protocols that they have to undergo a two-week self-quarantine upon returning home.
For resort owner Henry Chusuey, swab tests’ hassle and the price could be hindering tourists from visiting Boracay.
“If it is easier for the tourists at hindi masyadong hassle ang requirements, more tourists, I believe, would come, and more employment will be given to the workers,” he said.
Chusuey recommended the conduct of faster antigen testing at the Caticlan airport.
However, Roque said the IATF is still waiting for the results of the antigen pilot run in Baguio before approval.