DU30 Hears Side of Boracay Small Resort Owners

As both small businesses, resort owners, and the different stakeholders air their concerns and grievances about the Boracay closure issue, the government has expressed to remain open to suggestions.

Boracay island Sunset

Philippine President Duterte said that he will consider the plight of small businesses owners in Boracayv as they will soon decide whether to close the world-recognized - one of the best island - for a year. The president earlier said he will shut down the resort island if its sewage problem would remain unresolved for 6 months.

As the government intends to close it for rehabilitation purposes, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the President acknowledged the concern above.

"Narinig ko rin ‘yan na magrerekomenda sila ng pagsasara sa Boracay. Pero sa akin, narinig ko rin iyong sinabi ni Presidente na importante ring isipin iyong kapakanan noong mga maliliit na mga nagnenegosyo diyan sa Boracay," Roque said, in a quote by GMA Nes Online.

Closure of Boracay?

In recent developments, the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) had cracked down on commercial establishments who have violated local ordinances and laws.

Closure of Boracay Island?

The intended closure of Boracay includes the plan of upgrading the island's sewerage system, sewer lines, installation of all the required solid waste management facilities and mechanisms, removal of illegal structures in the beaachfront, forestlands, and wetlands, road widening and construction, pipe laying and excavations, and rationalization of a new transportation system.

The DENR, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) all agree on implementing the measures aimed at restoring and sustaining Boracay as a tourism destination that we can be proud of.