A Greener Boracay: What Changed After Duterte’s Crackdown?

In 2018, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte made a drastic decision—he shut down Boracay for six months, calling it a “cesspool” due to pollution and mismanagement. This move forced businesses and developers to rethink how they operated on the island. As a result, Boracay emerged stronger, cleaner, and more sustainable. Today, Greener Boracay stands as proof that tourism and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

The Crisis That Led to Change

Before its closure, Boracay struggled with overcrowding, unregulated waste disposal, and poor sewage management. The once-pristine beaches suffered from pollution, and marine life declined. Duterte’s intervention required businesses to comply with stricter environmental laws, ensuring that the island would never return to its former state.

After the cleanup, developers and businesses had to follow sustainability guidelines. Greener Boracay emerged with eco-conscious resorts, better waste management, and energy-efficient solutions.

A New Era for Boracay

After Duterte’s crackdown, eco-conscious resorts, hotels, and commercial spaces began to reshape the island. Developers embraced green architecture, better waste management, and energy-efficient solutions to align with the government’s stricter environmental policies.

One prime example is Megaworld’s Boracay Newcoast, which dedicates 60% of its 150-hectare township to green and open spaces. The development integrates sustainable transport, such as electric jeepneys, and utilizes solar-powered streetlights to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, it follows strict environmental guidelines, including an advanced sewage treatment facility, underground cabling to prevent tangled wires from harming trees, and compliance with the no-build zones along the shore.

These efforts reflect the broader shift towards Greener Boracay, where sustainability is no longer optional but essential for long-term tourism success.

READ: Megaworld: Leading the Green Office Revolution in the Philippines

Eco-Friendly Restaurants and Businesses

Furthermore, Boracay’s sustainability movement extended beyond hotels and resorts. Many restaurants adopted eco-friendly practices. One notable example is Shangri-La Boracay, which has implemented strong sustainability initiatives. The resort operates its own water bottling plant, replacing plastic bottles with reusable glass ones. It also contributes to marine conservation through its fish house project, providing shelter for marine life.

A Model for Other Destinations

Boracay’s success serves as an example for other tourist destinations in the Philippines. By prioritizing sustainability, popular islands like Siargao and Palawan can prevent environmental degradation before reaching a crisis point.

Boracay’s Revival and What’s Next

Duterte’s decision to close Boracay was a turning point. It forced long-overdue reforms and transformed the island into Greener Boracay—a model for sustainable tourism. However, preserving its beauty requires ongoing commitment from businesses, tourists, and locals alike. The island’s revival proves that when development respects nature, paradise can last for generations.