FAST-TRACK REHABILITATION OF BORACAY SO AS NOT TO DAMPEN PH TOURISM, LIVELIHOOD OF LOCALS -ANGARA

Senator Sonny Angara has joined the call of the government to fast-track the rehabilitation of pollution-challenged Boracay so as to sustain the country's tourism growth while preserving the beauty of the island.

"We have to get our acts together. Boracay attracts 2 million tourists every year and brings in more than P50 billion in annual revenues. It's no less named as world's best island. Huwag naman sana nating sayangin ito dahil lamang may ilang establisimyento na hindi nakasusunod sa mga regulasyon ng gobyerno," Angara said.

According to the Department of Tourism, of the 150 business establishments recently inspected by the government, only 25 were connected to the sewage line, while a number of them were draining their sewage directly into the sea.

The senator urged government agencies and local officials to strictly implement existing environmental laws and local ordinances, and penalize erring establishments.

He, however, expressed concern over the possible closure of Boracay if its environmental issues continue to escalate.

"Tourism industry is a major economic driver and job generator for the country. Definitely, its closure will have an adverse impact on its locals who depend on the island's tourism for their livelihood. Kung kaya huwag na nating hintayin na tuluyan itong ipasara dahil sa ating kapabayaan," Angara said.

The lawmaker has called on stakeholders to take advantage of the Green Jobs Law that incentivizes the creation of jobs that contribute substantially to the preservation and restoration of the environment and natural resources.

Under Republic Act 10771 that Angara sponsored, green jobs refer to jobs that help "protect ecosystems and biodiversity, and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution."

"Green jobs can help preserve the pristine waters and powdery white sand of Boracay. Bukod sa disenteng trabaho, makatutulong pa ito sa rehabilitasyon ng isla," he said.