THE company operating the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport assured workers and regular employees that they will continue to receive their monthly salary despite the closure of Boracay Island.
The gateway in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan is expecting a slowdown in passenger traffic and aircraft movement during the six months that Boracay is closed off to tourists.
San Miguel Corp. vowed to retain all the airport employees to ensure they have a steady source of income during the closure.
Also known as the Caticlan Airport or Boracay Airport, the gateway is operated by Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of SMC.
The airport will not shut down but will not be requiring full manpower either while tourists are banned from the island.
During the lull, airport workers could make use of their paid time by assisting the government in rehabilitating Boracay, according to SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang.
āIf the government needs more people to help with cleanups and similar activities where our people can contribute, they will be ready,ā said Ang.
Regional Director Johnson G. CaƱete of the Department of Labor and Employment said they hope more employers would voluntarily help in the rehabilitation.
According to CaƱete, the move of the conglomerate could serve as an example to other employers and establishments.
He also reminded establishments in the island resort of the directive of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello against layoffs during the closure. (With a report from DOLE/PN)
