BORACAY – Island residents and displaced workers banded as a group to appeal for the House of Representatives to address the downside of shutting down this famed island resort.
The group dubbed as “We are Boracay” reiterated that the half-year island closure is a great disadvantage not only to the local but the national economy, thus it must be stopped.
We are Boracay is an alliance of workers and residents who are affected by the island shutdown, which is expected to end in October.
The group aired its concerns during a public hearing that the House committee on natural resources conducted on June 1 in Boracay.
The panel led by Rep. Arnel Uy (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association party-list) was presented with the group’s sentiments, which are aimed at stopping the ongoing closure and household demolitions.
The group also wants to ensure that there will be no “discrimination” in government assistance programs – may it be food distribution, education aid or employment.
“Residents should be consulted on concerns that directly affect them. It seems that the rehabilitation drives away the workers and residents,” it said.
The group also lamented the continued deployment of security forces in the island. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
