A state of calamity may be declared in Boracay within this week.

Presidential Secretary Harry Roque, in a press briefing in Boracay yesterday, confirmed that the draft of the declaration is already “in the works.”

Roque said the proclamation will serve as the legal basis for the release of the P2.3 billion calamity fund for workers.

He said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have already given its recommendation for the declaration of the state of calamity for Boracay to the Office of the President.

The calamity fund is intended for the informal workers, who will be most affected by the closure, Roque said.

Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre likewise said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has already started profiling the workers on the island.

DOLE is expected to finish the profiling of workers in Boracay by April 23.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing III likewise said that the government has enough funding to support the affected workers.

He said DOLE and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) already have livelihood programs for the affected workers.

He said both DSWD and DOLE have their own funds to help the workers who might be displaced by the closure.

Aside from the proclamation of the state of calamity, the executive order for Boracay’s closure is expected to be released this week. (PNA)