Boracay Guests Can Get Booster Shots On The Spot

BORACAY, Philippines — Local and international visitors who are fully vaccinated can get booster vaccinations delivered by registered pharmacists on the island, according to Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Puyat delivered the remarks at the Watson’s Pharmacy City Mall Boracay launch of the Resbakuna sa Botika program. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF), Secretary Vince Dizon, NTF Deputy Chief Implementer and Testing Czar, Undersecretary Anthony Gerard Gonzales, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, and Malay Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista were present at the launch.

The secretaries also went to Paradise Garden Resort in Boracay for the launch of the Resbakuna KIDS program.

Puyat expressed her joy over the two Resbakuna projects, which she described as “another layer of security” since more people will likely visit the island in the coming weeks.

“The Philippines just opened its borders to inbound leisure travel yesterday, a move we’ve been waiting for for nearly two years. Boracay Island, our crown gem of tourism, is expected to reopen to visitors from all over the world. Domestic visitors to the island will benefit from the Resbakuna sa Botika Program, which will add an extra layer of security. This would have an impact on the tourism business and all Filipinos who rely on tourism for a living,” the DOT chief added.

“Without a doubt, this program, which makes it even easier for the island’s population to obtain life-saving vaccine,” she noted, “will help push the boosted immunization rate closer to 100 percent much faster than previously.”

Puyat also praised the Aklan and Malay town chief executives for the high inoculation rates among Boracay’s tourism workers. According to Department data as of Feb. 10, 17,910 tourism employees on the island had gotten their second dosage of the COVID-19 vaccination, accounting for 102.51 percent of the targeted population. Booster injections were administered to 2,671 people, or 15.29 percent.
“This figure is intended to improve tourists’ confidence in visiting Boracay, knowing that the people who make their stay so enjoyable are safe,” Puyat said.

In addition to the island’s already high vaccination rate, Puyat said that the DOT’s Boracay Field Office is conducting various inspections related to accreditation, minimum health and safety guidelines, and Safety Seal certifications to prepare Boracay tourism establishments for the expected influx of visitors.

The Safety Seal program has recognized 81 accommodation businesses and one travel and tour agency/operator in Boracay as of Feb. 7. The World Travel and Tourism Council has awarded the Safe Travels Stamp to 24 businesses, including the island as a tourist destination (WTTC).

According to the DOT chief, local and foreign visitors can stay in 12,956 rooms in 314 accredited accommodation establishments in Boracay.Puyat also said that the island will soon provide new tourism goods “to meet the demands of travelers in this new era of travel.”

These include a Boracay Biking Tour, which will highlight the island’s gorgeous terrain; a Boracay Food Crawl, characterized as a “deconstructed” experience highlighting the island’s various food; and the Boracay Wellness Workation Program, which will allow people to work remotely on the island.

Puyat emphasized the significance of solid collaboration between the governmental and private sectors and regular stakeholder meetings to explore how the island’s tourism might be improved. “I’m looking forward to discussing how we might help Boracay recover even more.” It’s always interesting to hear your thoughts and opinions on a subject. I tell you that the DOT considers these factors when developing policies and programs to make the tourism industry safer, stronger, and more inclusive,” Puyat added.