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A batch of visitors arrive at Cagban port on the formal reopening of Boracay island on October 26, 2018 after a six-month closure to tourists. Fernando G. Sepe Jr., ABS-CBN News
MANILA - Some water sports and activities will again be allowed at the just reopened Boracay island starting Saturday, Nov.3, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said Wednesday.
Cimatu said tourists may again go paraw sailing, kayaking, and kite surfing on the renowned beach destination, which was reopened to tourists on Oct. 26 after a six-month rehabilitation.
The government earlier banned water activities in the top tourist spot to assess the island's marine biodiversity.
Boracay island reopened last Friday after a half-year shutdown to give way to a massive cleanup.
It was closed in April this year after President Rodrigo Duterte said the island's waters have turned into "cesspools."
The island had grappled with sewage problems, overcrowding and unregulated development.
Government implemented stricter regulations upon the island's reopening, with only compliant establishments allowed to operate.
-with a report from Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News