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‘Business as usual’ in Boracay — DoT
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: -
Date: 2005-01-24
 
Department of Tourism (DoT)-Region 6 Director Edwin Trompeta said that it is “more than business as usual” in Boracay island after a fire broke out, Friday night, at the premier-island resort’s flea market, also known as “talipapa” among the locals.





President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and DoT Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano flew to Boracay Saturday morning to inspect the extent of the damage. They also met with Aklan local officials to map out actions to be taken, particularly on how to assist the affected residents and the foreign tourists who lost some of their belongings from the fire including their passports.



Trompeta said that, approximately, only two hectares was caught by the fire damaging over R150 million worth of properties as estimated by the Bureau of Fire Department and the municipal government of Malay, Aklan. Among them are 150 stores in the flea market and a total of some 60 rooms from four resorts, namely Mona Lisa, Michelle, Trafalgar and Aqua Beach Resorts, while Casa Pilar was partially damaged.



He added the fire could have been averted had there been enough fire-fighting equipment. The Boracay Special Protection Unit had to ask help from residents and tourists in putting out the fire because it only has one fire truck.



Initial reports indicated that the fire originated from a small slipper (tsinelas) factory in the flea market located near Boat Station 3 in Barangay ManocManoc. The fire started at 6:30 p.m. and was officially declared fire out at 10:30 p.m. (Jaser A. Marasigan)



 

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