To fully restore the pristine state of Boracay Island, President Duterte announced to shut down the resort island if the sewage problem persists in six months.
And upon the recommendation fro three government agencies, a one-year closure after a month of declaration should be implemented to restore and eventually sustaining Boracay as a prime tourism destination. The recommendation came from the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, and Tourism.
The fate of the small resort owners and businesses are greatly at risk and affected once the resolution and closure has been implemented.
During an online interview, Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque said the President acknowledged the possibility that small resort owners and businesses will be hit hard by the closure.
“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.
“So tingin ko, sa pagkakakilala ko naman kay Presidente, he will be fair and above all else I think hindi siya gagalaw on the basis of political considerations, gagalaw siya dahil doon sa kaniyang tunay na concern na kinakailangang pangalagaan iyong kagandahan ng Boracay para mapakinabangan ng mga darating pang mga henerasyon,” he said.