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[av_heading heading=’Boracay tenants fear mass expulsion, looming closures’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]
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February 19, 2018
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MANILA – Workers and vendors renting business spaces in Boracay have expressed fears that they might be the first to suffer the brunt of mandatory closures on the island with the government’s cleanup and rehabilitation effort.
This as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to issue more notices of violation to over 800 establishments, such as boarding houses, shelters, and makeshift residences of workers and vendors on the popular beach destination in the coming days.
Giovanni Tamagos, a tourist guide who has been renting a house in the Philippines’ top tourist spot, worries of additional expenses that he and his family may incur once they are ordered to relocate.
“Magastos. Sa pamasahe pa lang, pabalik-balik,” he said, noting that he has to pay for a boat ride to and from the island.
Tourism officials on Friday said around 200 commercial establishments on the island face closure as the government moved to contain human waste contamination in Boracay’s waters.
The move comes after President Rodrigo Duterte blasted Boracay’s hotels, restaurants and other businesses, accusing them of dumping sewage directly into the sea and turning the island into a “cesspool.”
Mohammad Maruhom, a resident of conflict-stricken Marawi City who sought refuge on the island, shared Tamagos’ sentiments as he would have to spend extra on fare to travel to and from the island to sell souvenirs.
“Mahihirapan man kami sagastos pa lang…atsa pag hahanap ng tirahan,” he said.
The local government unit of Malay, Aklan admitted that relocating tenants in Boracay would be difficult but emphasized its necessity due to the worsening waste problem.
“Actually part ‘yan ng planong LGU pero pag nilagay sa practical term parang mahirap gawin,” said Rowel Aguirre, a member of Malay mayor Ciceron Cawaling’s team. (ABS-CBN News)
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