PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte issued Proclamation No. 475, Series of 2018 that declared a state of calamity in Boracay.
Because it ordered its closure from tourists for rehabilitation in six months from April 26 to Oct. 26, 2018 we came out with our column on May 1, 2018 titled, “Big losses with Boracay’s closure.”
We said the Municipality of Malay as an autonomous government unit was already implementing a rehab program for Boracay as early as Feb. 17, 2018 but it was stopped and taken over by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with the issuance of the Presidential Proclamation.
We pointed out the autonomous nature of local government units comprised of provinces, cities and municipalities as provided under Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
While the President has the mandate to supervise local government units under the law, there is no provision empowering him to close it or take over its operation even under the circumstances claimed by Presidential Proclamation No 475.
For example, there are many places destroyed by typhoons, floods, fire, earthquakes or other natural calamities but in no case did the national government take over the responsibilities of the local government like what it did in Boracay.
Well, as they say, it is now water under the bridge with the rehab period by the national government expiring on the 26th of this month. The authority to manage and govern Boracay will now be returned to the Municipality of Malay to continue its own program for Boracay’s upkeep and maintenance.
After proclaiming Boracay under a “state of calamity” the national government previously allocated P2 billion from its calamity fund, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) receiving P300 million for help to displaced workers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was likewise given P2 billion for its own program of livelihood assistance to workers. We wish there will be public accounting from both agencies for the funds received by them.
The big headline in Panay News last weekend was “Is Boracay ready?” How will the tourists know how many of them can come?
Just in case you cannot be accommodated in Boracay when you go to the island, proceed to Iloilo. We will have a great surprise for you to discover how our city has changed and expanded as a business and tourist destination!
***
Historical Quote of the Week
“The guerilla unit under General Macario Peralta in Panay was the first to contact General Douglas MacArthur and Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon in Australia during World War II. (For comments or re-actions, please e-mail to jnoveracompany@yahoo.com)/PN
