BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Western Visayas met on Tuesday to come up with a contingency plan for the imminent closure of the island.
Director Jose Roberto Nuñez of the Office of Civil Defense 6 (Western Visayas), in a media interview, said the general contingency plan is to prepare for whatever decision would be made for Boracay.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte has yet to decide on the recommendation to close the island for six months but is reported to make known his plan during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Nuñez said the regional disaster body, which involves various agencies, is ready to help the affected sector whether the decision would be total or partial closure or rehabilitation.
He said that the contingency plan would be finalized during their next meeting, possibly next week.
Nicanor Faeldon, deputy administrator III of the Office of the Civil Defense, said in an interview that all sectors would be considered in creating a final plan.
“We will not leave any sector behind,” he said.
Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin, RPOC chairperson, said the impact of the possible closure or rehabilitation could be eased by livelihood projects. He, however, did not mention any specifics as data gathering is still ongoing to come up with the final contingency plan.
Meanwhile, at least 36,000 workers are expected to lose their jobs once the island is closed to tourists.
Last year, Boracay received more than two million tourists, earning PHP56 billion. (Karen Bermejo/PNA)
