Boracay residents worried over impending closure

Residents of Boracay island are worried over the impending closure of the tourist destination as it will gravely affect their livelihood.

John Francisco, a porter at the Cagban Terminal and earns P300 daily, said he will be forced to find a new job following the decision of the government to close the island for rehabilitation purposes.

"Maghanap na lang kami ng ibang trabaho," Francisco said in report by Joseph Morong on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Monday.

When asked if he knows the plan of the government to provide them jobs, Francisco said, "Hindi sir, hindi namin alam 'yun, walang nagsabi sa amin na bibigyan kami ng trabaho."

Maryjie Lovely, dispatcher at a tricycle terminal, sees that the number of flights every day will decrease from 25 to four.

"Sa tingin ko kasi local na lang daw Sir... Maaapektuhan, malaki 'yung ano namin... 'yung kita," Lovely said.

According to Rowen Aguirre, executive assistant at the Malay municipal government, said 5,000 jobs will be provided for the locals who will be affected by the closure.

"So the cast for work na initial nilang ilalabas will cover 5,000 jobs which is good for 60 days," Aguirre said.

Meanwhile, the report said authorities will designate Angol Beach as the only place where residents can swim from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteers and media who will cover the rehabilitation of the island will also be allowed to stay until 5 p.m.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the closure of Boracay starting April 26 due to its environmental issues. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News