BUSINESS GROUP IN BORACAY "DISMAYED AND DISAPPOINTED" ON NO CLEAR INFORMATION REGARDING THE ISLAND RE-OPENING

photo by D. Tapayan

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated, a major business organization in the Island, expresses dismay and disappointment to the concerned agencies on lack of communication to the stakeholders regarding guidelines on Boracay re-opening. This statement was issued by BFI on September 7. Here is the full text:

From the very beginning of the island’s six-month closure, we have repeatedly called upon the concerned agencies to set up an efficient communication process, ideally with regular weekly or bi monthly updates on targets to be achieved and objectives to be met for the ongoing rehabilitation. These updates are on their accomplishments and challenges are important to set expectations and for us to relay information to returning guests, partners, and employees who are awaiting the status of their jobs.

With the island’s closure nearly coming to an end, We are dismayed and disappointed at the continued apparent apathetic treatment of stakeholders

Instead of consulting those who have local knowledge and experience- the residents and local business who are most affected- The agencies in charge have been issuing statements across several media outlets, without releasing official communication to island stakeholders. It is as if our opinion does not matter.

Take the guidelines on "no partying and drinking on the beach" for example, or even the recent "no walk in guests" , both of which have appeared in mainstream media and yet stakeholders await with bated breath as no clear information related to these have been cascaded.

On the PCO Seminar

Many establishments still wanted to participate in the PCO Seminar, but with very limited slots available for each of the sessions, it served to become a source of stress to those establishments who are struggling to comply at the soonest possible time. With only one session per month and at a prohibitive price- almost 50% more than usual- we feel that there should be more sessions in various venues from various providers to accommodate more participants. We know for a fact that some hotels have offered the use of their facilities for free for this endeavor. Venue restrictions, the alleged reason mentioned by PCO seminar organizers for limiting participant slots, could be very easily solved by this simple solution. Bigger venues and more schedules will lead to decreased price and more participants thus more compliance make it a win win situation all around.

On the One Stop Shop (OSS) at CityMall Boracay

Hoards of people are scrambling to submit their requirements, what with With less than two weeks left before the One Stop Shop end operations in CityMall, Failing to submit all their requirements by the last day on September 15, they will be forced to process their requirements all the way in Iloilo, at least 7 hours away by land from Boracay, which poses not only a time inconvenience but a financial burden as well given that they would also have to spend on accommodation and fare. This is additional burden is too much for an already beleaguered community.

The desire to comply with the government agencies’ requirements is indisputable. But when the agencies in charge make it extremely difficult for establishments to comply – with the varying and never ending pronouncements on requirements- then it begs the question why? Isn’t it the role of the government to make its services closer to the people?

Initial List of “Compliant” Establishments

52 days before the island is re-opened to the world, "compliance" has become the new buzz word around the island. But what does it actually mean in the light of the InterAgancy Task Force for Rehabilitation? The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) in behalf of its members would like to clarify the very complicated processes a business would have to go through before it is deemed "compliant".

An initial list of establishments allowed to operate upon the islands reopening was released last week. And while we congratulate them of course, we cannot help but ask "what really is the basis to be deemed compliant?" See, some of those on the list, by their own admission, still have no completed Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), while some are merely connected to the sewer lines even if they have more than fifty rooms.

As the island’s leading business organization, we pray and hope that clarity be upon us very soon. Six months of sacrifices – loss of income, loss of livelihood, displaced families, broken careers, and properties surrendered will all be put to waste if no efficient system, processes, and comprehensive well-thought of guidelines for re-opening will be set up.##

BUSINESS GROUP RELEASES STATEMENT OF CONCERNS AND FEEDBACK REGARDING BORACAY REHABILITATION

The Boracay Foundation Incorporated, a major business organization in the Island, released an official statement expressing thier most important concerns and feedback regarding the rehabilitation of the Island. This statement was being read in the Senate Committee Hearing this August 20. Here is the full text:

Good morning to the Honorable Senators, department secretaries, officials, and the members of the joint committee. The Boracay Foundation Incorporated or BFI would like to express its sincerest appreciation for giving us a chance to air our concerns and feedback regarding the ongoing rehabilitation and closure of the island.

I would just like to raise the four most important concerns and feedback regarding the ongoing rehabilitation that we hope could be addressed immediately given that we only have around two months left before re-opening:

1) REQUEST FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE ONE-STOP SHOP IN BORACAY

We are concerned regarding the cessation of operations of the One Stop Shop by August 25 giving us just one more week within which to process our requirements on the island. Once they cease to operate, all transactions will be conducted in Iloilo, 5 hours away on a normal day, but given the roadwork being done over a significant portion of the road to Kalibo, travel time would be extended to 6 to 7 hours.  Transacting in Iloilo is an additional cost physically and financially (transportation, food, and lodging) that businessmen simply cannot manage at this point.

We have communicated to the Honorable DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu our request for an extension of the one stop shop on the Island to facilitate the ease of compliance of establishments and businesses with the necessary requirements to be able to open on October 26.

Consistent with the Ease of Doing Business Law of President Duterte, it is only fitting that agencies in charge bring the services of the government closer to the people. Providing easy access to the inter-agency members will not only help the stakeholders but will also help minimize the risks of corruption as the operations are very transparent.

We all want to comply, but please help support these efforts. As such we HUMBLY REQUEST THAT THE ONE STOP SHOP IN CITYMALL BORACAY BE EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER IF POSSIBLE. . We look forward to hearing your positive response to this request.

2. THERE IS CONFUSION AND UNCERTAINTY DUE TO VARYING PRONOUNCEMENTS MADE ABOUT STPS.

Several DENR Memos have been released regarding the mandatory construction of STPs, which appear to be contradictory to the (1) Clean Water Act, (2) the Provincial Water Utilities Act, (3) the EO 53 signed by PRRD, and (4) the Municipal Ordinance 307, where it is CLEARLY STATED THAT the burden of providing sewage treatment falls into the shoulders of the water provider OR THE GOVERNMENT. Constructing their own STPs for beachfront establishments pose an additional burden to stakeholders and compliance requirements that will again delay the upgrading and rehabilitation in an already struggling community.
Unfortunately, many are afraid to speak up and tell you about the realities on the ground. But we cannot sit idly by and thus take the responsibility to speak for our stakeholders.

Constructing an STP is not cheap, we believe upwards of 2M.  But money is not the issue here, but the principle of following what is stated in the law—constructing an STP is also not rocket science. As mentioned, laws dictate that, if not the government, then this responsibility falls into the laps of the water providers.

Many are scared and we are compelled to tell this body that our STAKEHOLDERS FEEL THREATENED when we hear the words “NO STP, NO COMPLIANCE – NO COMPLIANCE, NO OPENING”.

In more than one occasion and in various forums, whenever questions are raised, and we do not receive a proper answer but instead are told to just follow if we really want to open. We can’t help but feel that it is a form of a threat? Aren’t we entitled to clarification and consultation?

However, our PUBLIC INQUIRIES appear to be a moot exercise as agreements reached during the discussion between agencies and stakeholders do not seem to be considered when new set of memos are released.

Initially on a July 6 stakeholders’ meeting with DENR in Boracay, we were told that access to lateral lines would already suffice as per the DENR officials– and then two days after – the very same officials release memos inconsistent with what was agreed on. Isn’t it by consulting effectively, that we improve both the making of policy and its implementation? Consulting with us Stakeholders- the ones who are most affected is a very basic principle of good practice, and a common courtesy.

We have yet to hear comprehensive guidelines in the STP memo - including notably the manner of conveyance, as well as the pre-treatment facilities for treated water.

3. WHY THE BLANKET CANCELLATION OF THE ECCs?

Three months prior to the reopening, DENR also suspended the environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) of all business establishments on the island pending their review of compliance with environmental laws. Isn’t it the mandate and responsibility of the one issuing the permits and licenses to monitor compliance? Please correct us if we are wrong but the ECCs were supposed to be monitored and reviewed periodically is it not? If the issuing body had strictly monitored compliance throughout the years, why then should EVERYONE even those who are compliant be penalized.  Why should EVERYONE suffer at the expense of those who failed to do their job properly?

We hope this body can look into these inconsistencies in guidelines that are brutally affecting the community during this rehabilitation and provide us a clearer picture of what to do and what to expect.

4. THE SORRY STATE OF OUR MAIN ROAD

While we understand that the main road should be closed for the repair works to move continuously, our community cannot help but ask “Will this road make it in time for the opening?

CNN in a recent report dated August 6, 2018, that the main road is now at 40% completion. We are wondering which portion they are referring to. We agree that the Circumferential Road is definitely looking good, because of the DPWH’s hard work and Bulabog stakeholders who gave huge areas for the boulevard and the road.

This is in contrast to the main road, the main access to the island, which can only be described as similar to a war zone - muddy AND empty. Empty as we hardly see contractors on the main road, or maybe not to the extent that we expect to see given how close we are to the opening.

Open drains and manholes attracting mosquitoes have also led to an increase in the number of recorded cases of dengue on the island. The recent monsoon rains have also brought flooding increasing the risks of leptospirosis and other sickness. Clinics have also reported incidents of accidents involving severe cuts and bruises of people who fall on the exposed sidewalk canals.

It is quite frustrating because despite its complete closure, it appears that only the water utility companies are continuously laying out pipes.

Looking at the island’s main road- it does not look encouraging, we are apprehensive if we will be able to meet the deadline.   Again, these issues could have been avoided if proper planning was made and if a systematized communication plan was in place at the onset of the rehabilitation. But a failure to deliver on its commitment to finish within 6 months, we hope, should not be used by government as a reason to extend the closure. I think we all agree that we have already suffered enough.

We call on the agencies to urgently finalize systems, policies, guidelines, etc prior to the re-opening for people to prepare, and for efficient procedures put into place. Without these actions to organize systems regarding transportation, traffic, guidelines on watersports, vehicles, vendors, etc  in place – Boracay will eventually return to the same state it was in prior to closure. With government in the lead to ensure compliance, the Boracay Foundation is willing to assist in any way it can to ensure success.

In several interviews, the government agencies have reported that Boracay will be totally different once it opens. We share the same hope and dream of a better Boracay – one that is organized, one that is compliant, and definitely one that does not look like a battlefield that somehow it is right now – instead it should be what is meant to be - a paradise that we can all be proud of.##

STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SEC. HARRY ROQUE JR.’S ANNOUNCEMENT

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2018

STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SEC. HARRY ROQUE JR.’S ANNOUNCEMENT

BORACAY ISLAND, MALAY - The haze of uncertainty for the past weeks has now been replaced by a grim realization that closure is indeed happening; sooner than expected and with less than a month to prepare. For too many members of the Boracay community, life has gone from confusing to disappointing, to despairing.

In the absence of clear guidelines communicated to us, we believe it is too premature for us to issue specific statements pertaining to the closure. The reality is that the BFI is just as confused as everyone else, because the pronouncement came too soon with no clear and specific guidelines presented to us. We have sought an opportunity to dialogue with the concerned agencies in an effort to seek help and guidance, with the following questions in mind:

1) What are the specific closure and rehabilitation plan and timeline?
2) The government is looking after the welfare of all the employees – formal or informal, who inevitably will be affected by the closure of Boracay, how will the government identify who are qualified to receive support? What identification or specific documentation do they need to present to avail of this? When will this support be made available? What will be the basis of the amount of support to be provided to each worker?
3) Will the government intervene for small or big businesses that have availed of loans by mandating banks to relax their terms/moratorium as businesses will be unable to pay their loans due to loss of income?
4) Regarding taxes, will the government temporarily suspend the collection of taxes of island tourism establishments due to the stoppage of commercial operations?
5) How will they regulate the entry and exit of residents to and from the island, which is home to more than fifty thousand (50,000) residents?
6) During the rehabilitation, will the utilities continue to service the community?
7) Are there safeguards in place to prevent any possible abuse in the distribution of assistance by the government?
8) With the limited access into and out of the island, will the residents be assured of a stable supply of basic necessities such as rice, food, toiletries, etc?
9) Once sanctions are applied to the LGUs, who will be in charge of Boracay? What is the extent of their authority?
10) It was mentioned that there is a chance of re-opening earlier than six months, what benchmark should be met so this can be achieved?

The BFI believes that the key issues of Boracay will be addressed even less than six months with the help and cooperation of all sectors concerned, with proper planning and sufficient funding.

Again, we thank PRRD for listening and taking the lead in addressing decades-old problems; problems such as this “cesspool” issue that, for years, the BFI has been in the forefront of bringing to light. We all want the same thing; we all agree that rehabilitating Boracay is a must. We should all see ourselves as working side by side, attacking the problems constructively, instead of confronting each other. We are optimistic that all the uncertainties that we are currently facing will soon be resolved.

For more information, please contact us:
Tel No: (036) 288 3971 (Office Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm)
E-mail: boracayfoundation@yahoo.com
Facebook: Boracay Foundation Inc

MGA NEGOSYANTE SA BORACAY, NANAWAGAN SA DENR NA BERIPIKAHIN ANG LISTAHAN NG MGA PASAWAY NA ESTABLISYIMENTO

Umapela ang mga business operators sa Boracay Island sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) kaugnay ng kanilang listahan ng mga establisyimentong sumusuway umano sa environmental laws and regulations.

Ayon kay Boracay Foundation Inc. Nenette Aguirre-Graf, sana ay tiyakin muna ng DENR na tama at up to date ang nasabing listahan bago nila ito ilabas sa publiko.

Hindi pa aniya nila ito nakikita pero may ilang mga establisyimento na nasa listahan na nakakasunod na sa mga batas, habang ang isa naman ay nagsara na.

Ayon kay DENR spokesperson Usec. Jonas Leones, sa 51 na negosyong pinadalhan nila ng notices of violation for non-compliance or violation of provisions of the Clean Water Act, 14 ang napag-alaman na sumusunod sa batas.

Karamihan sa mga pinuna ay may mga iligal na koneksyon sa drainage system o kaya ay hindi nakakonekta sa sewerage system ng isla.

Tinatarget ng DENR ang mga negosyo na iligal din na nagtatapon ng kanilang sewage water sa drainage system na nakalaan lang para sa tubig mula sa ulan.

Ayon pa kay Graf, bagaman nagdeklara sila ng suporta para sa paghabol sa mga pasaway na establisyimento, iginiit niyang dapat ay ibinatay sa beripikadong impormasyon ang inilalabas na notices of violation ng DENR.

Sa ganitong paraan aniya ay maiiwasan naman ang pagkakasira sa pangalan ng mga establisyimentong sumusunod naman sa kanilang patakaran.

Samantala, tiniyak naman ni Leones na bibigyan nila ng pagkakataong makatugon ang mga establisyimentong kanilang sisitahin, at makasunod o maitama ang kanilang mga ginagawang paglabag bago nila ito isapubliko. - Radyo INQUIRER

PAGPAPASARA NG BORACAY, IKINA-ALARMA; BUSINESS COMMUNITY, NANAWAGAN NG PAGTUTULUNGAN MULA SA MGA KAPWA STAKEHOLDERS

Basahin ang naging panawagan ng Boracay Foundation Incorporated matapos maglabas ng pahayag si Pres. Rodrigo Duterte na plano niyang ipasara ang tanyag na isla:

In light of the consecutive negative publication and press releases on Boracay Island, and the statement of our highly-esteemed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, we at the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) – the island’s biggest business organization, in existence for more than twenty years, welcome the six month ultimatum given by the President to the agencies and departments concerned to address the issues of Boracay. For the duration of our existence the BFI has been focused on initiatives such as coastal resource management to preserve and restore the island. With the rapid growth of tourism, the island’s problems have been mounting up.

It has long been the plea of the business sector through the BFI that Boracay be given the attention it so rightfully deserves, being the country’s premier tourist destination, generating 56 billion Pesos in tourism receipts, providing livelihood and jobs to Filipinos from all over the country. We have continuously expressed our frustration and dismay over the lack of attention given by the National Government and other offices concerned to the island of Boracay. Now that Malacañang is keen on fixing Boracay, we are hopeful that Boracay’s issues may finally be addressed as agencies and departments concerned will be pressured to urgently fix the island’s problems.

BFI is however deeply alarmed about the President’s statement that he will “CLOSE BORACAY”. We believe this statement stems from misinformation and unverified data presented to the President. While indeed there are many violators, most of the island’s business establishments are strictly in compliance with prevailing ordinances and regulations. BFI sees it unjust to close the entire island at the expense of the compliant establishments.

The BFI believes that the solution is quite simple: to strictly implement existing environmental laws and local ordinances and close all erring establishments immediately. To close the island would be an easy way out and too much to bear for the residents who depend on the island’s tourism for their livelihood. Now that Boracay is in the limelight, the BFI commits to collaborate with agencies concerned to address the issues faced, by implementing real solutions to the problems.

The BFI calls upon its members to strictly comply and follow the necessary policies to be implemented. Let us work on fixing Boracay, while maintaining open lines of communication, transparency, and consultation with the local community on the ground. We can help restore Boracay - but its restoration cannot happen overnight and on its own. We need everyone to set aside their personal interests and together make this happen for the future generations. THE BFI REMAINS STEADFAST IN ITS COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE BORACAY ISLAND.