𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘆

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla convened a high-level meeting with Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, and key stakeholders to advance sustainable tourism efforts in Boracay.

Held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Monday (Feb. 17), the discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between national, provincial, and local governments in ensuring the island’s long-term viability as a premier global destination.

The meeting focused on key areas of cooperation, including environmental protection, infrastructure development, tourism management, and regulatory measures aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience. The DOT also raised concerns regarding the impact of tourism-related fees on both visitors and tourism establishments, emphasizing the need for balanced and transparent policies that support responsible tourism growth. Officials explored strategies to harmonize policies affecting tourists and businesses while maintaining Boracay’s sustainability and competitiveness.

DOT officials including Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Maria Rica Bueno, Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon and Ina Zara-Loyola, DOT Region VI Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, Director Virgilio Maguigad, Head Executive Assistant Fraces Jan Villarino joined DILG Undersecretaries Marlo Iringan and Romeo Benitez and other representatives from the Boracay MICE Alliance, the Boracay Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce – Boracay to strengthen policy coordination and enhance engagement with the private sector.

Attendees from the private sector included James Montenegro, President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), Ms. Cleo Albiso, Chairperson of the Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA) and Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts; Maia Israel, BMA President and Megaworld Area General Manager and Belmont Boracay General Manager; Kaye Xu, Board Member of the Boracay Island Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Association (BITATOA); and Godofredo B. Sadiasa, Member and Consultant/Adviser to the Board of Directors of the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Also in attendance were Dindo Miguel Martin Salazar, Assistant Vice President of Henann Group of Resorts – Boracay; Cedric Sazon, President of Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI); Gisella Winebrenner, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI) – Boracay.