Manila: President Rodrigo Duterte said he might issue a calamity declaration for the Boracay to release funds that will be used assist islanders who would be displaced by the impending shutdown of businesses there.
Following up to an earlier threat to “shut down” the internationally popular Central Philippines resort island over the poor environmental conditions there, Duterte said placing the island under a “state of calamity” would allow the government to extend assistance to those who are displaced financially by the closure of the businesses.
A calamity declaration is frequently resorted to by local as well as national government officials to release funds. In most cases, it is used only during times of natural calamities such as typhoons or earthquakes.
But, the impact of the neglect in Boracay had apparently reached calamitous proportions.
“I know it would result in work hardships and that is why I would be declaring a state of calamity,” he said in a speech during the oath taking of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday evening.
Last February the President had already threatened to “permanently close” Boracay if the environmental issues hounding in the resort island is not addressed.
Among the issues plaguing the island are poor waste disposal and unbridled construction of commercial and resort infrastructures.
“The people running local governments in Boracay, you allowed things to happen, building structures that overlap the coastline,” Duterte said
Boracay is a resort that is hugely popular with local as well as international tourists due to its fine white sands beaches and breathtaking views. But despite continued reminders from the national government, local officials and businesses are apparently not heeding calls to balance development with environmental responsibility.
In recent years there had been reports that the island’s sewage system had contaminated the beaches. The President even went as far as to describe the island as a “cesspool” while ordering Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu to clean up Boracay.
The President threatened to “permanently close” Boracay if the environmental issued in the resort island is not addressed.
“The people running local governments in Boracay, you allowed things to happen, building structures that overlap the coastline,” he said.
Millions of tourists flock to the island every year, providing direct revenue to the local government in the island as well a trickle down benefits on businesses in terms of commerce and livelihood for the locals.
Businesses had also encroached on the environmentally critical wetlands in the island, Cimatu, for his part, said.
“They (wetlands) need to be restored because they act as catchment during the rainy days and they prevent flooding,” Cimatu said.
Wetlands are the link between land and water, and are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Wetlands are important because they protect and improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitats, store floodwaters and maintain surface water flow during dry periods.
