Boracay struggles to rise again after Covid-19 lockdown

SPH Brightcove Video
Boracay reopened to domestic tourists on Oct 1 to revive its stalled economy.
But no one is expecting a fairy-tale rebound.
Boracay's picture-perfect beaches are still there, but a sense of profound loss has since enveloped the island.
PHOTO: CRISTINA MENINA FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
Boracay's borders were shut in March because of the coronavirus. PHOTO: CRISTINA MENINA FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

BORACAY, AKLAN - Even before a lethal coronavirus began sweeping across the Philippines in January, the famed island resort of Boracay was already down on its knees.

A massive clean-up ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte in March 2018 forced the island - its powdery white beaches and cerulean waters overrun by garbage and sewage issues - to shut down for six months.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.