MANILA - Two five-star hotels in Boracay said they would assist employees and clients who will be affected by the government's plan to close the island for 6 months.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa said it was working on an "interim plan" to care for affected employees.
A view of the rooms at Discovery Shores Boracay at sunset. Handout/File Photo
Discovery Shores Boracay said "enough personnel" would stay to maintain the resort during the six-month period. Other staffers will be "shared" with other Discovery properties
Clients will be offered "the best and reasonable solutions," Discovery said.
The government moved to clean up Boracay after President Rodrigo Duterte in February flagged pollution on the island and likened its effects to a "cesspool."
Twelve "large" hotels may lay off at least 50 workers each due the the shutdown, said Organization of Hotel Sales and Marketing Professionals president Christine Ibarreta.
Henann Group of Resorts denied allegations of environmental violations circulating on Facebook, dismissing such as "fake news."
Azalea Hotels & Residences said it was compliant with environment laws and reassured clients that its closure would be "temporary."