MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said that only the Department of Trade and Industry expressed concern about the looming closure of Boracay Island.
In a briefing, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the DTI submitted a separate memorandum asking if the closure might be done in phases in consideration of the effects on the businesses and livelihood in the top Philippine tourist destination.
Earlier, three agencies—Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Tourism—recommended the shutdown of Boracay for six months starting April 26.
Guevarra said the Office of the President requested a modification of the recommendation memorandum so that the agencies could explain, expand and justify their suggestion. The modified recommendation is expected to be submitted within the day.
He said the previous two-paragraph recommendation proposed a total closure of the island and so the president asked if there were qualifications for it.
The deputy executive secretary also said that the rehabilitation of Boracay is President Rodrigo Duterte’s top priority. He said the office is looking into the economic impact on the island because the closure does not only affect the environment but also the people and their livelihood.
Despite the looming closure, Guevarra said businesses in Boracay would be provided enough time to prepare for it.
If the shutdown of the tourism hub pushes through, Guevarra said the government might have to tap the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the Department of Labor and Employment for interim relief measures, which would include alternative livelihood programs while the clean-up is ongoing.
State of calamity declaration being considered
Guevarra said the government is also thinking of declaring a state of calamity on the island so that affected people might avail of the calamity loans.
Asked about the 30,000 registered foreign and local workers in Boracay, Guevarra acknowledged that it is unfortunate that they might be affected.
“It's just too bad that maybe foreign workers may be affected but we have to think much longer than six months,” Guevarra said.
“We have to think of the years to come. We have to think of the next generation, to enjoy the island. It's just too bad that some sacrifices [have] to be made. But it's for the long term,” he added.
In February, Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay, citing that it has become a “cesspool.”
READ: What we know so far: Boracay casino projects amid concerns for 'cesspool' island