MANILA — The government will implement the six-months close Boracay, starting April 26.
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure, to institute the much needed rehabilitation, which according to him is good for everyone.
In closing Boracay, Duterte said “No one cared for mother nature, everyone enjoyed it’s beauty but no one cared for the environment, It’s payback time, but when it opens again, it will be a very good tourism attraction, with an improved facilities worthy to be called the new Boracay”
“There was an extensive discussion about Boracay before the President ordered the closure,” says Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
The issues which were clarified earlier include, what do we really need to do with Boracay? the recommendations on Boracay, for example, drainage, sewerage system, is there really need for a closure? If a closure is necessary, should it be total or partial? And if it pushes through, when should it start? And finally, if it so happens it’s there, what measures should the national and local government put in place to alleviate the negative impact to be felt by those affected?
But after the thorough review by the President Rodrigo Duterte, he ordered the closure saying there is a need to rehabilitate Boracay because of the worsening environmental problem.
The inter-agency task force, which includes the departments of the interior, environment, and tourism, has recommended the closure to Duterte.
The task force has been pushing for total closure of the island, while other departments, such as the Department of Trade and Industry, have recommended partial closure to assure that businesses and livelihood in the area are not largely affected.
The National Economic and Development Authority recommended that the six months closure of Boracay should be done on the lean months. -Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
