Aklan solon wants Boracay ‘intact,’ ready for federalism

Rep. Carlito Marquez of the Lone District of Aklan  is calling on his constituents and all stakeholders to protect Boracay Island at all costs, as the country is in the process of introducing a new form of government, federalism.

Marquez said federalism would surely improve poverty-alleviation programs once it is implemented.

“Currently, the billions worth of pesos in revenue generated in Boracay Island directly go to the national coffers. The province received only less than 10 percent of its share. On federalism, Aklan may receive higher at about 40 percent to 60 percent, which should be a big amount,” Marquez said.

Earlier, the Congress agreed to expedite the constituent assembly to discuss the content of the planned federalism state.

Marquez said that, currently, the Congress has reduced to five areas —Luzon, the Visayas, Mindanao, Metro Manila and the Autunomous Region of Muslim in Mindanao—the different regions in the country.

“It will, however, still depend on the discussions where federalism may lead into,” he said.

Boracay Island, considered one of the best beaches in the world, is facing several problems, such as flooding, environmental degradation and garbage proliferation, among others.