Prioritize workers and families, Boracay biz group urged gov’t

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

With the imminent closure to rehabilitate Boracay, some registered and informal workers and their families are ‘clueless’ of the national government’s plan to support them for six months.

PHOTO BOY RYAN ZABAL

In a statement on April 24, the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) called on the government to issue the executive order and declare a state of calamity to expedite the release of funds for thousands of affected residents and workers in Boracay.

The business group also stressed the stakeholders and establishments have done their best to soften the impact of six-month closure for the workers.

“We hope that rehabilitation work will be done efficiently to minimize the impact. We, however, can only do so much, as our hands are also tied,” the BFI said.

The business group also envisions sustaining the longevity of Boracay by engaging communities along with the national and local government agencies.

“We are resilient, united and hopeful that with continued citizen participation, we will able to share our paradise home to the world at the soonest time possible.”

Meanwhile, Kalibo airport manager Efren Nagrama said three daytime daily flights for Kalibo-Manila route will be serviced by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia at Kalibo International Airport effective April 26.  

All international flights from China, Malaysia, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan were cancelled due to Boracay closure.

“Dati ang mga turista ng Boracay ay sa mga regional flights sa gabi. Ngayon dahil sa Boracay closure, wala tayong international flights,” Nagrama stressed.

Affected by Boracay closure are over 100 employees assigned in security, navigational and fire fighting in Kalibo airport.

Nagrama said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is studying options on how to maximize the working hours of affected employees.

"Hindi naman sila mawawalan ng trabaho. We will assign them in the maintenance of airport facilities and to train them sa tulong ng TESDA at ibang government agencies," he added.

First published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print, radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.