MALAY, Aklan – Swimming in the waters of Boracay Island on June 24 seems to be a good idea to beat the summer heat, according to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of this town.
June 24 is when Christians celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist. Locally, people flock to beaches to cool down during this day.
The SB is appealing before the inter-agency task force assigned to “reverse” Boracay’s condition to allow Malay residents to go for a swim in Boracay on June 24.
“By tradition, Malaynons and Boracaynons celebrate the ‘San Juan’ every year by swimming in the coastal waters [of the island],” said Councilor Jupiter Aelred Gallenero.
The government only allows Boracay residents to swim in designated swimming areas in the island since April 26, the beginning of the half-year closure and rehabilitation.
The SB is also proposing to declare a state of calamity in 14 villages in mainland Malay due to Boracay’s temporary shutdown.
These villages include Sambiray, Caticlan, Cubay Sur, Poblacion, Cogon, Argao, Nabaoy, Cubay Norte, Balusbus, Motag, Cabulihan, Napaan, Naasog, and Dumlog.
“These barangays are also deprived of income. [The residents need income] especially now that the classes will open in June,” Councilor Julita Aron said.
Mayor Ceciron Cawaling supported the proposed declarations.
Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte placed barangays Balabag, Yapak and Manoc-manoc – the three Boracay villages – under a state of calamity through Proclamation No. 474. (With Aklan Forum Journa/PN)
