by Kris Crismundo/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed its support to the government’s effort to rehabilitate tourist destinations across the country, but not the complete shutdown of these places.
PCCI President Alegria Sibal-Limjoco told the Philippine News Agency that the rehabilitation of tourist destinations can be done in phases, and not a total closure like the government did to Boracay Island for six months.
Limjoco said that the complete shutdown of Boracay has affected businesses in the area– particularly the micro and small enterprises that depends on the island’s upbeat tourism sector — while some of them are still struggling to come back to their livelihood activities.
“Let’s do it in phases, not total closure. Let’s learn from Boracay,” she noted.
“Our position is do it in phases. We are saying, let’s also be inclusive — include all stakeholders in planning the rehabilitation,” she added.
After Boracay, the government is eyeing to rehabilitate beaches in El Nido and Coron in Palawan, as well as Panglao in Bohol. There are also recommendations to do the same to Baguio City.
In a previous statement, PCCI said “closing El Nido and Coron will not be good for business, particularly for the legitimate industry stakeholders (i.e., hotels, resorts) who will suffer the most from cancellation of bookings and reservations for the coming months. It will also affect a lot of local livelihoods and jobs”.
“PCCI also urges concerned LGUs (local government units) not to wait for the national government’s intervention but rather be more proactive in identifying and cleaning up their respective illegal waste disposal and sewer issues,” the largest business group noted.