Malay gov’t won't allow big events during LaBoracay

The local government of Malay, Aklan, will not issue permits for special events during the duration of the LaBoracay parties and other upcoming holidays.

According to an advisory on Wednesday, local officials have unanimously decided to stop granting permits to show support for the rehabilitation of Boracay Island, noting that "big events for Labor Day generates a significant increase in both solid and water waste."

Meanwhile, small organized events will still be allowed, provided that they are compliant with local ordinances.

LaBoracay is an annual beach party where vacationers troop to the island to take advantage of the Labor Day holiday.

The government's inter-agency group, which consists of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has called for the cancellation of the famous Boracay party.

The same group also recommended the total closure of the tourist destination for a maximum of one year in order to address the environmental issues of the island.

However, stakeholders have expressed their concerns, saying the closure may result in at least P56 billion in foregone revenues and leave 36,000 people jobless.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who described Boracay as a "cesspool," has yet to issue an order but he earlier said he is inclined to follow the recommendation of the inter-agency. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News