BORACAY – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) needs a “concrete basis” before recommending that mainland Malay be placed under a state of calamity.
There are 14 villages in mainland Malay also affected by the half-year closure of this famed island destination.
They are Nabaoy, Poblacion, Caticlan, Naasog, Cogon, Cubay Sur, Argao, Napaan, Motag, Balusbus, Cabulihan, Sambiray, Dumlog, and Cubay Norte.
If put under a state calamity, these villages may use a calamity fund to cushion the effect of the island shutdown.
But before such declaration, the endorsement of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and a resolution from the Liga ng mga Barangay are needed.
Liga ng mga Barangay president Julieta Aron said the village chiefs in mainland Malay “agreed in principle” on June 4 to support the declaration of a state of calamity.
This will “facilitate emergency assistance to residents,” Aron added.
Floribar Bautista said the residents greatly rely on their income from tourism businesses in Boracay.
“They are working as boatmen, vendors, masseurs, tricycle drivers, tour guides, and commissioners in the island to support their families,” Bautista added.
President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier placed the three Boracay villages – Balabag, Manoc-manoc and Yapak – under a state of calamity following the island closure that started on April 26. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)