Boracay tenants fear mass

expulsion, looming
business closures
Boracay island. Nony Basco, ABS-CBN News
MANILA - Workers and vendors renting business spaces in Boracay have
expressed fears that they might be the first to suffer the brunt of mandatory
closures on the island with the government's cleanup and rehabilitation effort.
This as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set
to issue more notices of violation to over 800 establishments, such as
boarding houses, shelters, and makeshift residences of workers and vendors
on the popular beach destination in the coming days.
Boarding houses, shelters, and makeshift residences may soon face closure
as the government moves to rehabilitate Boracay island. Nony Basco, ABS-
CBN News
Giovanni Tamagos, a tourist guide who has been renting a house in the
Philippines' top tourist spot, worries of additional expenses that he and his
family may incur once they are ordered to relocate.
"Magastos. Sa pamasahe pa lang, pabalik-balik," he said, noting that he has
to pay for a boat ride to and from the island.
Tourism officials on Friday said around 200 commercial establishments on the
island face closure as the government moved to contain human waste
contamination in Boracay's waters.

 Save Boracay: 200 commercial establishments face closure

The move comes after President Rodrigo Duterte blasted Boracay's hotels,
restaurants and other businesses, accusing them of dumping sewage directly
into the sea and turning the island into a "cesspool."

 Duterte slams Boracay as ‘cesspool,’ threatens to shut down island

Mohammad Maruhom, a resident of conflict-stricken Marawi City who sought

refuge on the island, shared Tamagos' sentiments as he would have to spend
extra on fare to travel to and from the island to sell souvenirs.
"Mahihirapan man kami sa gastos pa lang...at sa paghahanap ng tirahan," he
said.
The local government Unit of Malay, Aklan admitted that relocating tenants in
Boracay would be difficult but emphasized its necessity due to the worsening
waste problem. 
"Actually part 'yan ng plano ng LGU pero pag nilagay sa practical term parang
mahirap gawin," said Rowel Aguirre, a member of Malay Mayor Ciceron
Cawaling's team.