KALIBO, Aklan – The pandemic-induced lockdowns and limited job opportunities have taken a heavy toll on business owners. Many folded up. In Boracay Island, many Muslims traders were forced to make tough but necessary decisions.
So far, 231 Muslims have returned to Mindanao with no permanent jobs and savings.
The price tag of returning home meant leaving relatives and loved ones in Boracay Island.
With the pandemic’s end still uncertain, it is likely the repatriated Muslims could be staying home longer in Mindanao.
In March, Boracay banned tourists in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Boracay Island has yet to return to pre-pandemic highs. More tourists are hoped to return, with COVID-19 restrictions gradually eased since September.
From June 16 to Oct. 23, 2020, Boracay recorded 6,557 domestic tourists from Western Visayas and National Capital Region, a sharp decline compared to last year’s arrivals as the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the global tourism industry.
Earlier, Sangguniang Bayan member Maylynn Aguirre-Graf of Malay, Aklan introduced an ordinance regulating the influx and migration of families of construction workers hired in the island by contractors, sub-contractors and project proponents.
The local government of Malay has jurisdiction over Boracay Island./PN
