First batch of Boracay residents, workers get DSWD livelihood aid

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office in the Western Visayas released P19.8 million in livelihood assistance to a first batch of workers and residents affected by the closure of Boracay to tourists.

According to a release by DSWD-6, the first batch of 1,323 recipients received P15,000 each under the department's Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Most of the beneficiaries — 429 residents — came from Barangay Balabag while 169 from Manoc-Manoc and 115 from Yapak also received assistance.

Also recipients of the livelihood assistance were:

• 283 members of Malay Sailing Boat Owner Association Inc.
• 194 members of Malay Boracay Vendors Association
• 63 tour guides from Boracay Mabuhay Host Association
• 28 massage therapist from iPHiLMA Skilled Association
• 32 from Boracay Ladies Caddies Association
• 10 members of Malay Tour Operators Association Tour Guides

Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo said the department has allocated P250 million for the SLP in Boracay, with a second batch of 1,000 recipients scheduled to receive their livelihood assistance in early June.

The DSWD plans to release SLP grants to at least 11,000 Boracay households.

Among the livelihood proposed by residents are making accessories and souvenirs and putting up sari-sari stores and bakeries.

The department has also released P25.07 million to 10,397 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program by May 30. The assistance includes transportation assistance for 9,405 people and 832 in educational assistance.

"The DSWD has also provided P593,500 medical assistance to 155 clients and P25,000 to five clients for burial assistance," DSWD-6 said.

Boracay has been closed to tourists since April 26 for six months of rehabilitation to address environmental problems on the island.

It is yet unclear when the tourist destination will reopen and President Rodrigo Duterte has announced that the island will be used for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program except for beachfront areas that could be reserved for commerce and tourism. He said apportioning the island will be up to Congress.