The Boracay Conundrum
7:05 AM
The impending closure of Boracay is a central
issue of the tourism industry at the moment.
Why Close Boracay?
We must close Boracay to save the island.
The poor sewerage system and poor environmental system
threaten Boracay’s long- term existence as one of the top assets of our tourism
industry.
Capitalistic greed is the main culprit. A lot of businessmen
saw the profitable potential of the island, and with disregard to the
environment, some created detrimental structures.
The violations could have been easily stopped if the local
government is strict in implementing the rules and regulations. But we know the
reasons why the rules were not implemented or half-heartedly implemented.
The National Government decision to close Boracay is valid,
if the intention to save the beautiful and popular island, nobody on his right
mind will protest against the move.
Why We Cannot Abruptly Close Boracay?
If we close Boracay, 36,000 workers will lose their jobs. In
addition, establishments lose P56 billion should the island closes for one
year.
This lost will burn a big hole to the Philippine economy.
The livelihoods of thousands of families are at stake in
this impending closure of Boracay.
Therefore, the decision should balance the life of Boracay
and the lives of the community.
Practical Solutions for the Boracay Quagmire
There are practical solutions that the stakeholders are
proposing to solve the Boracay environmental problems.
The government’s showed their political will and might on
this issue – it is laudable. For years, past administrations played blind and
deaf to Boracay’s maladies.
However, the Government must listen to the stakeholders and
present a concrete plan. There must be a meeting of the minds. All voices should
be heard and considered.
The practical solution must cushion the economic lost of the
community. At the same time, dispel the recent news, that it is closing Boracay
to make way for foreign developers hungrier than the existing businessmen to
rape Boracay.
One of the news that must be answered and stopped is the
planned Casino Hotel that will rise in Boracay.
Boracay can’t take it any more.
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Visit the Tourism Congress of the Philippines facebook page to know more about the issue.
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