By Genalyn D. Kabiling
President Duterte has issued a proclamation declaring a state of calamity in Boracay and ordering its temporary closure as a tourist destination.
The proclamation covers Barangays Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak in Malay, Aklan, according to Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go.
The President’s order was issued on the first day of the six-month shut down of Boracay aimed at allowing the rehabilitation efforts of the pollution-stricken island. The calamity declaration seeks to facilitate the swift release of funds to assist workers displaced by the shut down.
Malacañang has not yet released a copy of the President’s order to the public.
“I welcome the signing of the proclamation declaring a state of calamity in the three barangays on the Island of Boracay and the temporary closure of the entire Boracay Island as a tourist destination. Now, the work of rehabilitating Boracay can begin,” Go said in a statement.
“Naririyan po ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para mas mapadali at mas mapabuti ang gawaing ito. Makakaasa rin po ang lahat ng patuloy na suporta at ayuda mula sa aking opisina,” he said.
