Rappler's latest stories on beaches in the Philippines
Banned: Entry to beaches in Cebu province
Violators face a fine, imprisonment – or both
Weekend lifeguards now serve 2 La Union public beaches
Through the initiative of the San Juan Resort Restaurant Hotel Association, there are now lifeguards manning beaches in Urbiztondo and Ili Norte villages in San Juan town during weekends
Here's what you need to know about Love Boracay 2019
Boracay marks the first anniversary of its April 26 closure with a week of environment-friendly activities celebrating the rehabilitation of the island
La Union beyond surfing
Know more about Luna town's picturesque pebble beaches and hidden charms
[OPINION] Boracay and the Duterte way
The Boracay closure follows the familiar pattern of Duterte's approach to addressing complex crisis situations. The approach relies heavily on police and military action, and projects Duterte as a tough, no-nonsense leader.
400 hectares in Boracay up for agrarian reform 'if Duterte says so'
The Department of Agrarian Reform says structures constructed on these 400 hectares of agricultural land are considered illegal
DPWH to Boracay public: Cooperate to avoid project delays
'Kailangan natin ang kooperasyon at tulong ng mga stakeholders to fast-track the completion of Boracay projects,' says Aklan District Engineer Noel Fuentebella
Shorten Boracay closure? Duterte says he'll defer to Cabinet
'I do not interfere in the work of the Cabinet members,' says President Rodrigo Duterte, adding that he does 'not just revoke recommendations'
Displaced Boracay workers settle for P323/day for 30 days: 'Puwede na'
'We don't have jobs anymore that's why I'm applying here at DOLE. We were told that we will be street sweepers but I guess that's better than earning nothing,' says a former masseuse along Boracay's beachfront
Budget dep't releases P448M for Boracay workers
Budget chief Benjamin Diokno says the funds for Boracay are charged against the fiscal year 2018 contingent fund in the national budget
At least 579 structures in Boracay face demolition
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources says demolition orders were signed by Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling, after the mayor was accused of 'stalling' the rehabilitation of Boracay
WATCH: Demolitions on first day of Boracay shutdown
The government, some residents, and business owners have started demolishing parts of their homes and establishments
Duterte signs proclamation placing 3 barangays in Boracay under state of calamity
(3RD UPDATE) Malacañang has yet to issue an Executive Order on the closure of Boracay, even after the island has been shut down to tourists
'Malay local gov't has given Boracay demolition go signal' – DPWH
(UPDATED) The national government has criticized Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling for not cooperating earlier. President Duterte signs an order declaring state of calamity in the area only on Thursday afternoon.
Sotto to Boracay businesses: 'Konting tiis lang'
Senators weigh in on the closure of Boracay island, with some questioning the absence of a 'clear' plan on how the government will rehabilitate the island
Boracay: From pristine island to fragile paradise
Despite counting itself among the best islands of the world, Boracay has struggled to keep up with its fame. A look at its history shows warning signs at least a decade-old.
Boracay workers file 1st petition vs closure at Supreme Court
(UPDATED) Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque asserts, 'Unless a TRO is issued, the planned closure of Boracay to tourists shall proceed'
WATCH: No clear gov't plans 2 days ahead of Boracay closure
How will business owners, big and small alike, deal with the tourist hotspot's closure?
WATCH: Gov't simulates terror attack, hostage-taking in Boracay
Inter-agency teams, led by the Philippine National Police, rehearse how they would respond to potential 'threats' during Boracay's closure
PH Coast Guard vessel to patrol around Boracay during closure
BRP Cabra, a multi-role response vessel, will help with maritime security during the 6-month closure of Boracay
Less than a week to go: Boracay braces for 6-month closure
The 6-month closure of Boracay 'is a good wake-up call' for Filipinos, stresses Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Earth Day
Help displaced Boracay residents, town vice mayor says
'The affected residents have no other places to go,' says Malay Vice Mayor Abram Sualog as Boracay is set to be closed for rehabilitation
[OPINION] The imperial reach of Malacañang lands in Boracay
The imperial nature of the Philippine presidency is undeniable. The reach of whoever wields this power extends far and deep as evidenced by how President Duterte addressed the Boracay 'cesspool' tragedy.
5 overnight beach trips for P2,000 or less
Beautiful beaches accessible to Metro Manila – some as close as 3 hours away
[OPINION] Enough of policymaking without planning
As the Boracay example illustrates, policymaking without planning makes for needless chaos, confusion, and destruction
Private landowners vow to protect endangered species in Boracay
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources prods local government units, residents, businesses, and private landowners to work together on a conservation plan that could make demolition orders unnecessary
INSIDE STORY: How Duterte decided on Boracay closure
Rappler traces President Rodrigo Duterte's decision-making on Boracay, from the video presentation that started it up to the Cabinet meetings where a 6-month closure was finalized
Trouble in Paradise: Tourism surge lashes Southeast Asia's beaches
Southeast Asia's once-pristine beaches are reeling from decades of unchecked tourism as governments scramble to confront trash-filled waters and environmental degradation without puncturing a key economic driver
Part of calamity fund to be used for Boracay closure – DBM
Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno says the P2 billion promised by President Rodrigo Duterte for the Boracay closure will be sourced from the calamity fund
Philippines eyes limiting Boracay tourists after 6-month closure
Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo says tourists who would be bumped off by a daily cap can stay in nearby Caticlan while waiting for slots in Boracay
DENR to identify 'critical habitat' areas in Boracay
(UPDATED) Existing resorts and infrastructure projects would be affected as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources seeks to protect biodiversity in the world-famous island
FACT CHECK: Is Duterte right that Boracay is agricultural land?
A 2006 proclamation signed by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo classified Boracay Island as forestland and agricultural land
Leisure & Resorts World stocks plunge over Boracay casino uncertainty
Stockholders of the local partner of Galaxy Entertainment Group panic as uncertainty looms over the company's plan to build a casino in Boracay
TRANSCRIPT: Duterte admits he has no master plan for Boracay
President Rodrigo Duterte says, 'But master plan, wala akong master plan diyan, linisin ko muna iyan kasi agricultural 'yan'
After Boracay rehab, another Miss Universe hosting stint?
Tourism secretary Wanda Teo says they are open to the possibility of having the pageant in the country after the rehabilitation of Boracay
FACT CHECK: Clueless about Boracay casino? Duterte discussed it with owners
(UPDATED) The President claims he knows nothing about the planned casino-resort but the project was discussed in his meeting with the Chinese executives behind it
[EDITORIAL] #AnimatED: Kahibangan ang pagsasara ng Boracay
Paano sasaluhin ng gobyerno ang mahihirap at informal workers na tatamaan ng pagsasara ng Boracay?
AirAsia Philippines to cancel flights during 6-month Boracay closure
The budget airline, however, will retain 4 daily flights 'to serve local residents and ensure continuity of commerce in Northern Panay island' during the period
With Boracay closure, airlines and hotels scramble for ‘interim plans’
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia Philippines have announced flight suspensions, while hundreds of hotels and accommodations are drafting interim plans
Netizens on Boracay closure: 'Hassle, unnecessary!'
'Pati kaming taga-Aklan talaga hindi makauwi, walang flight pa-Kalibo dahil sa closure na 'yan! Ano lalangoy kami?' tweets one irate netizen
PH travel, tourism sectors girding for planned Boracay shutdown
Airlines and hotels will take a hit, if the government pushes through with its planned temporary closure of Boracay. But some developers say it won't delay the construction of major commercial developments in the island.
Aklan governor seeks to convince Duterte 'no need' for Boracay closure
The governor calls on other local officials and stakeholders to band together and convince President Rodrigo Duterte not to shut down Boracay Island
Villanueva urges DENR to declare Boracay as 'critical' area
(2nd UPDATE) A business establishment in an environmentally-critical area is required to apply for an environmental compliance certificate before operating
51 Boracay business owners summoned for environmental violations
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu says the establishments are required to have technical conferences with the Pollution Adjudication Bureau within the week
El Nido, Palawan: Your comprehensive, updated guide
Birdhouse hotel owner Mark Anthony Villaflor gives us his ultimate guide to exploring the island
[Where I've Been] Inside El Nido's super cool Spin Designer Hostel
Joshua Berida talks about his experiences at Spin Hostel a backpacker s dream dorm
Planning your Palawan vacation: El Nido or Coron?
There are many stunning places to see in Palawan, and El Nido and Coron are two of the most popular destinations. Writer Potpot Pinili presents the differences between the two
Getting to these PH beaches isn't easy – but it's worth it
Where can you find a natural jacuzzi pink sand and more? A trip to these beaches may take hours and hours – but it s well worth the magical sights that await
[WATCH] Hidden Mindanao: The beautiful places many of us may never see
A peek at just a few of Mindanao s most stunning locations: dreamy Sitangkai the crystal clear waters of Sulu Basilan s beautiful beaches and more
Traveling to Rody Duterte’s misunderstood Mindanao
I am looking forward to the time when hearing of places such as Kidapawan Tawi Tawi Zamboanga Sulu or Mindanao will not elicit fear but fond beautiful memories
