LGU MALAY HAS HIGHER RESPONSIBILITY fOR BORACAY tHAN tHE DOT

The Local Government Unit of Malay should answer and act on the complaints and queries related to Boracay.

This is because the LGU of Malay has the higher responsibility and is making bigger decisions when it is about Boracay compared to the role of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Allegedly, the role of the DoT Boracay, even if the island is classified as a Tourism Zone, is the giving of Accreditations to establishments, and the marketing and promotion of Boracay to tourists.

According to Boracay DoT Officer-In-Charge Tim Ticar, the right to manage had been passed to the island not like in the past. Consequently, the LGU of Malay has the “Last Say.”

Nevertheless, Ticar added that there is a proposed law related to the matter specifically the Republic Act 9593 wherein the authority of the DoT on places like Boracay will be increased when the proposed law has been approved and implemented.

However, Ticar added that DoT still also accepts complaints but problems on Boracay should be referred to the Malay LGU.  

On complaints on problems related to high prices of commodities, matters could be referred to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

On problems on governance - to the DILG.

On the environment - to the DENR, and to other departments of the government depending on the query or complaint.

On tricycles or fares on tricycles - to the Town Council which give franchise to tricycles.

Ticar explained that, even if Boracay is in a Tourism Zone, the different departments of the Local and National government have their own responsibilities and that the DoT cannot reply to all the concerns.

The statement of Ticar is the answer to the question often asked by individuals and other sectors of Boracay, and the question is related to the many problems experienced in the island.