DENR wants Boracay stay-in workers relocated

MANILA, Philippines — Around 22,000 stay-in workers at hotels in Boracay should be relocated, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Jonas Leones, DENR undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs, said they are coordinating with the management of the hotels in Boracay to facilitate the transfer of their workers.

“Our aim is to reduce pressure on the island... If we see that the presence of certain groups in Boracay is not necessary, their transfer to alternative settlements should be enforced,” Leones said.

He said overcrowding on the island should be avoided.

Meanwhile, Leones reiterated the government’s call for illegal settlers in wetlands in Boracay to demolish their homes.

“Our work with... illegal settlers is continuing. It would be better if they demolish their homes or make a voluntary exit,” he said.

The DENR said a permanent relocation site in Caticlan has been identified for residents in Boracay’s wetlands.

A dry run or partial opening of Boracay is set from Oct. 16 to 25.

“The dry run will allow us to assess what else needs to be done before the island is reopened to all tourists on Oct. 26,” DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said.