BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — The Local Government Unit of Malay on Thursday assured it will be cooperative on whatever plans and programs the national government will have for Boracay.
This was the reaction of the local government in a press conference here Thursday morning after President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday approved the six-month proposal to close the island resort starting April 26 to give way for its rehabilitation.
Rowen Aguirre, executive assistant LGU Malay, said no time would be wasted within the six months closure of the resort island.
Local officials are waiting for information from the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Environment and Natural Resources, and Tourism about the shutdown.
Report said OIC Interior Secretary Eduardo Año is expected to arrive in Boracay Friday to meet Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling for a dialogue.
However, workers and businesses on the island lamented the decision fearing loss of their livelihood.
Ernesto Bandiola, president of the Boracay Photographers Association with over 300 members, mostly from Boracay and Malay, said they still don’t know what to do once the closure starts.
Bandiola said they are still in shock after President’s decision was announced adding that it is “unjust” since it is the small businesses that would be greatly affected by the closure.
Other groups also urged the national government to give assistance to those who would greatly be affected.
With the closure, some 36,000 workers are expected to lose their jobs.
Members of the Boracay Women’s Producer’s Association said they would just resort to online marketing and other options to continue its operations.
Desiree Segovia, founder of the women’s group with almost 100 members, said it is harder for them since they have just started with their enterprise.
“We will lose sales as our products target tourists, but we want to stay resilient,” said Segovia in an interview Thursday.
Segovia also stressed the need for government’s assistance to the affected workers and businesses.
The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Boracay have already conducted emergency meetings with their members following Duterte’s announcement.
Official statements from the group are yet to be released. (With reports from Jun Aguirre/PNA)
