Boracay (Unsplash)

Aklan 2nd district Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. has some harsh words for the provincial government, which he claims is "killing" local tourism with its alleged neglect of the world-famous Boracay. 

“This is not just neglect—it is a betrayal of Aklan’s future. The provincial leadership’s inaction and mismanagement are killing the golden goose that sustains our economy,” Haresco said in a statement. 

He claimed that "mismanagement, neglect, and poor leadership" are "strangling Boracay"--arguably Philippine tourism's crown jewel. 

"The provincial government must take responsibility and act promptly to address these issues,” Haresco, an economist, asserted. 

“Before the pandemic, Kalibo International Airport (KLO) handled around 30 international and 10 domestic flights every day. Today, we are down to a mere five international and five domestic flights daily—a collapse that speaks volumes about the provincial government’s failure to protect Aklan’s tourism industry,” he said. 

He also slammed the worsening condition of Caticlan Jetty Port, the main gateway to Boracay. “Tourists are being fleeced with exorbitant terminal and environmental fees, only to be welcomed by a rotting, unsanitary port. The provincial government is collecting millions, yet the state of our infrastructure is an embarrassment.” 

Haresco pointed to other supposed failures under the provincial government’s watch. These included infrastructure ruin due to unchecked quarrying, which he said destroyed roads in East Aklan. Meanwhile, restrictions on quarry supply for West Aklan contractors have delayed critical national projects, further stalling development. 

And then there's Boracay’s "security disaster"--the brutal rape and murder of 23-year-old Michaela Mickova, a Slovakian tourist. 

“We must ensure that our infrastructure, airports, and tourist destinations meet global standards to attract and retain visitors,” Haresco said. 

The veteran solon demanded immediate action from provincial leaders to reverse the collapse of Aklan’s tourism industry before irreversible damage is done. 

“If the provincial government refuses to take responsibility, then they should step aside for those who will. Aklan deserves better,” Haresco added.