13/02/2018
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE BORACAY FOUNDATION INCORPORATED ON PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S STATEMENT ON THE CLOSURE OF BORACAY
Contact Person: Pia Miraflores
Contact Number: (036) 288 3971
Email: boracayfoundation@yahoo.com
February 12, 2018
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
In light of the consecutive negative publication and press releases on Boracay Island, and the statement of our highly-esteemed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, we at the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) – the island’s biggest business organization, in existence for more than twenty years, welcome the six month ultimatum given by the President to the agencies and departments concerned to address the issues of Boracay. For the duration of our existence the BFI has been focused on initiatives such as coastal resource management to preserve and restore the island. With the rapid growth of tourism, the island’s problems have been mounting up.
It has long been the plea of the business sector through the BFI that Boracay be given the attention it so rightfully deserves, being the country’s premier tourist destination, generating 56 billion Pesos in tourism receipts, providing livelihood and jobs to Filipinos from all over the country. We have continuously expressed our frustration and dismay over the lack of attention given by the National Government and other offices concerned to the island of Boracay. Now that Malacañang is keen on fixing Boracay, we are hopeful that Boracay’s issues may finally be addressed as agencies and departments concerned will be pressured to urgently fix the island’s problems.
BFI is however deeply alarmed about the President’s statement that he will “CLOSE BORACAY”. We believe this statement stems from misinformation and unverified data presented to the President. While indeed there are many violators, most of the island’s business establishments are strictly in compliance with prevailing ordinances and regulations. BFI sees it unjust to close the entire island at the expense of the compliant establishments.
The BFI believes that the solution is quite simple: to strictly implement existing environmental laws and local ordinances and close all erring establishments immediately. To close the island would be an easy way out and too much to bear for the residents who depend on the island’s tourism for their livelihood. Now that Boracay is in the limelight, the BFI commits to collaborate with agencies concerned to address the issues faced, by implementing real solutions to the problems.
The BFI calls upon its members to strictly comply and follow the necessary policies to be implemented. Let us work on fixing Boracay, while maintaining open lines of communication, transparency, and consultation with the local community on the ground. We can help restore Boracay - but its restoration cannot happen overnight and on its own. We need everyone to set aside their personal interests and together make this happen for the future generations. THE BFI REMAINS STEADFAST IN ITS COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE BORACAY ISLAND.
