Just days before the start of its six-month shutdown, the government has yet to show a clear plan to rehabilitate Boracay Island and to provide assistance to those affected by its closure.

“Ilang araw na lang at isasara na pero wala pang inilalabas na plano para ma-rehabilitate ang Boracay. Kailangan rin ng plano para sa mga maliliit na negosyante at freelancers,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, referring to the impending closure of Boracay on April 26.

“Huwag pahirapan ang mga Pilipino kung wala pang malinaw na plano,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Sen. Bam said the government should delay its plan to close Boracay if it has no definite plan for its rehabilitation and for the delivery of assistance to its residents, who are relying on the island for their livelihood.

Earlier, Sen. Bam called on concerned government agencies to provide assistance to small businesses that will be affected by the six-month closure of the island.

The senator said Negosyo Centers in Aklan and other nearby areas play a crucial role in keeping micro and small enterprises in the area afloat by connecting them to other markets and provide them with alternative livelihood.

“Maaaring iugnay ng Negosyo Centers ang mga maliliit na negosyante sa iba’t ibang merkado habang naghihintay na bumalik sa normal ang operasyon ng Boracay,” said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor and author of Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act.