BORACAY MASSAGE WORKERS

Massage therapists working at popular resort destination of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan are facing problems over licensure issues. The local government of Malay town wants to require them to undergo a training that will be conducted by Department of Health (DOH) as part of the accreditation process. However, the practicing massage therapists have already been trained and accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Ely Arensol, specialist of TESDA-Aklan provincial office, confirmed that Boracay-based massage therapists have complained of the separate training and accreditation required by the Malay local government. According to Arensol, the requirement is an added cost to the massage therapists. To prevent the issue from escalating, TESDA-Aklan will intervene to help.