Boracay tourists, locals: ‘Conserve environment’

Tourists and locals gathered at the Willy’s Rock here to call on the local and national government to ensure the island’s environmental sustainability.
Estimated to be more than a hundred, they staged a rally in light of the series of online petitions by the Friends of Flying Foxes, a group leading conservation efforts for bats here.
Organizers of the protest also called on the municipal government of Malay, Aklan, which has jurisdiction over Boracay, to cancel the permit for the construction of an “underwater resort” at the Puka Beach.
The protest on Monday started with a candle-lighting ceremony at the beachfront and a public reading of an “environmental oath” to conserve the island.
Boracay-based international entertainer Armand “TJ” Tajnlangit and an 11-year-old girl led the singing of songs about environmental conservation./