State of calamity declaration sought for mainland Boracay

AKLAN, Philippines – The municipal council of Malay, where Boracay Island is located, is asking for a more concrete basis to consider proposals to declare a state of calamity in the remaining barangays following the closure of the world-famous destination.  

Last April 26, the start of the 6-month closure of Boracay, President Rodrigo Duterte placed 3 of Malay’s 17 barangays (villages) under a state of calamity. These were Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapac. 

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Malay, Aklan, and the Liga ng mga Barangay has since made an appeal for the municipal council to make the same declaration to cover Nabaoy, Poblacion, Caticlan, Naasog, Cogon, Cubay Sur, Argao, Napaan, Motag, Balusbus, Cabulihan, Sambiray, Dumlog, and Cubay Norte. 

The calamity declaration will allow the local government units to access calamity funds and to help residents who have lost their sources of livelihood.  

Liga ng mga Barangay president Julieta Aron said, “The barangay captains in mainland Malay agreed in principle during their meeting on June 4 to support the declaration of state of calamity to facilitate emergency assistance to residents.”

According to Malay Councilor Floribar Bautista, majority of the constituents heavily rely on the tourism business for their livelihood and income. “They were working as boatmen, vendors, masseurs, tricycle drivers, tour guides, and commissioners in the island to support their families,” he said.  

The town council also recommended the release of P50 daily cash bond per family, covering the months of January to May, to address the financial crisis caused by job orders detailed in the different municipal offices of Malay. – Rappler.com