BORACAY – The Diocese of Kalibo supports the preparations of several local organizations against the six-month temporary closure of this island resort.
The Diocese also expressed its opposition on the proposed construction of a mega casino in the island.
The Diocese made such pronouncements during a multi-sectoral meeting in Kalibo, Aklan on Monday afternoon.
Father Emmanuele Mijares, who represented Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, said they are “worried over the displacement of thousands of workers in Boracay.”
Last week, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation to shut the island down starting April 26 and six months thereafter.
Roque added that the President would also put the island under a state of calamity.
These measures are aimed at the speedy rehabilitation of the island, which was under fire due to its environmental problems, like its sewage system.
Mijares said they are supporting the demonstrations that will be conducted by the Kalikasan Peoples’ Network for Environment, Bayan Muna-Panay, Couples for Christ Movement, and St. Pius X Seminary Alumni, among others.
For his part, Father Jose Tudd Belandres, Boracay’s parish priest, said they believe that the mulled operation of the mega casino is behind moves to close the island.
“The national government after declaring the closure of Boracay failed to present plans and programs on what to do during the entire six months [of rehabilitation],” stressed Belandres.
Belandres said this on the same day Duterte clarified that he was against the operation of the casino in the island.
Another local priest, Father Edgardo Encarguez, said, “Though there is a need to address the environmental problems in Boracay, this does not merit Duterte’s arbitrary closure order. It is like using a sledgehammer to kill a mere fly.”
Encarguez added that instead of creating jobs, the President took “heartless and anti-poor” actions that will just worsen the problem on unemployment, citing over 30,000 workers who will lose their jobs once Boracay closes.
“Aside from the destruction of livelihood, the economic impact of the closure is also far-ranging, especially that a large chunk of the province’s budget for health services for its poor constituents depends on its income from Boracay,” Encarguez added.
The Diocese and the groups will hold a motorcade rally from Kalibo to Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan on April 18./PN
