Biting the bullet

IN terms of global issues and perspective, Boracay had become an embarrassing environmental mess that earned the attention, condemnation and ire of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Boracay had not only become a “cesspool” but the popular resort island had degenerated into a convoluted seaside Divisoria that is approaching environmental disaster.

Indeed, Boracay should be shut down for at least six months with alacrity and decisively to enable state of the art engineering, management expertise and repairs to be instituted if Boracay is to become a truly world class tourist destination.

Meanwhile, while stakeholders and industry officials are shedding crocodile tears, an authoritative study be commissioned to quantify the opportunity cost and revenue losses due to the closure against the positive potentials of the resort as a world class destination.

First, if the law allows it Pres. Digong Duterte should suspend indefinitely the mayor of Malay town and the council members for negligence and incompetence.

Moreover, let the rehab of Boracay be the industry model and gold standard for other resort towns to adapt from hereon.

The government should not do it alone, and do a sloppy and patching up job.

Second, let all the business establishments and stakeholders – big and small – and permanent residents create and contribute to a substantial sinking fund for the rapid rehab and state of the art engineering and innovation to be introduced in waste, management, water supply, road network, sanitation, communications, medical facilities and town planning.

In the process, let business and concerned citizens file cases provided any application for Temporary Restraining Order [TRO] that will delay the rehab be rejected by the courts.

That is, Boracay should not be rehabilitated piece meal but instead rejuvenated holistically and speedily.

In conclusion, owing to the sensitivity of Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the people’s well being, the environment and tourist potentials, the President must now expect and compel public officials, local government units and stakeholders in other resort towns, such El Nido, Panglao Island, Bantayan, Siargao, Cam Sur, Ilocos and Pangasinan to replicate and adapt the standards that will be established in Boracay.

When all is said and done, public officials may go over board and abuse their authority.

Changes are always inconvenient and costly, and things may get worse before they get better.

Boracay will be the gold standard, and will show the way.

You be the judge.