Signature campaign launched vs Boracay casino
ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Not Boracay, please.
Thousands of residents and tourists in Boracay Island have signed a petition against plans to allow the operations of casinos in the popular island-resort.
The campaign, launched last Saturday by the Holy Rosary Parish in Boracay, has gathered at least 2,000 signatures as of Tuesday morning, Boracay parish priest Fr. Magloire Placer said in a text message to the Inquirer on Tuesday.
“We, the undersigned, knowing the negative effects of a casino on the image of Boracay as a wholesome family tourist destination, vigorously protest the establishment of a casino on the island of Boracay,” read the petition letter.
Placer said the initial signatories were mostly from those who attend Masses during the weekend. More people from other communities in the island-resort are expected to sign the petition as copies are now being distributed by village and Church leaders.
Fr. Placer said even tourists in the island, including two families from the gambling capital of Las Vegas in the United States, signed the petition.
“They probably signed because they have seen the bad effects of casinos,” Placer said.
“Many tourists, and not just locals, have signed because of their concern for the island,” Rufina Villaroman, president of Kiwanis Club of Boracay, said in a text message.
The Malay municipal council last Jan. 25 endorsed a proposal of the Cariño Development Management Corp. to build a casino at the posh 120-hectare Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club at the northern end of the island.
