Duterte places Boracay under state of calamity

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation placing Boracay Island under a state of calamity, as the six-month closure of the world-famous tourist destination takes effect Thursday, April 26.

Duterte declared a state of calamity in Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak villages in Boracay, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said in a statement.

The President signed the proclamation before leaving the country to participate in a regional summit in Singapore on Thursday afternoon.

As of press time, Malacañang has yet to release the document placing Boracay's three villages under a state of calamity.

This comes three weeks after the President approved the recommendation of the inter-agency task force on Boracay to halt the operations of establishment owners on the island to pave the way for its rehabilitation.

The six-month closure of the island to tourists is expected to restore its pristine condition. Boracay is a world-famous island destination known for its powdery white sand and clear waters.

Overcrowding and development, however, have caused problems on waste management, sewage disposal and other environmental woes.

During the six-month closure, the task force is expected to upgrade the sewer lines, restore drainage system, and inspect illegal structures in the forest lands and wetlands in Boracay.

Earlier, Malacañang assured that P2-billion financial aid would be granted to some 35,000 displaced workers on the island.