Bayan Muna condemns lack of detailed, comprehensive action plan on Boracay

The Bayan Muna party-list on Saturday criticized the government for its "sore lack of a detailed and comprehensive action plan" on top tourist spot Boracay after it was closed in April following plans to rehabilitate the "cesspool" island.

"The government has arbitrarily declared Boracay closed supposedly for rehabilitation, but apparently, to this day, the government has no clear detailed action plan yet to address the myriad issues confronting the island and its people, including issues of livelihood, environment, land tenurial claims and corporate greed," Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate said in a statement.

"This is outrageous given the severe impact of the closure, especially to the ordinary poor people who depend on their survival on the island's tourism industry. Closure without a plan is like putting the carriage ahead of the horse," he added.

His statement came after he joined the House Committee on Natural Resources in its onsite investigation of Boracay, headed by chair Arnel Ty. Vice chairpersons Allen Mangaoang and Jesus Sacdalan, and Deputy Minority Leader Roger Mercado also joined the investigation.

Zarate also cited Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, who said in a hearing that Task Force Boracay has yet to finalize an action plan for the closed island.

"The lack of direction for the rehabilitation is raising the tension and doubt among communities here in Boracay. What is really the government's plan for Boracay: keep it as a top tourism site or make it a casino haven or as a land reform area, as announced by Pres. Duterte? There is a disconnect in these conflicting pronouncements. The people are still looking for answers," Zarate said.

He also criticized the government for the ongoing demolitions and evictions despite lacking a concrete action plan, and the lack of involvement of affected local residents in the rehabilitation task force.

Establishments in Boracay built within the easement zone were demolished despite lacking a concrete action plan, Bayan Muna said. Bayan Muna party-list

"[T]he people and the Boracay community are not the enemy. Indeed, they are part and parcel to the solution in keeping Boracay the prime tourist hub that it is... Boracay is not just an island but a community of workers, indigenous peoples, performers, vendors and other people living off the commerce in the island. Practically, there are no agricultural lands here. For most part, the island has been portioned off by big landowners as hotels, restaurants, and leisure parks," he said.

Zarate said the government should take care of the "poor masses" in the island as well, aside from the environment, animals and other life forms.

The government closed Boracay to non-residents beginning April 26 to make way for the island's rehabilitation. The closure is in effect for six months. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News