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Why urban planner opposes casino-resort in Boracay

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Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/02/17/boracay1.jpg"/><figcaption>Boracay island. Nony Basco, ABS-CBN News/file photo</figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA- Architect and urban planner Felino &quot;Jun&quot; Palafox on Saturday criticized the plan to build a casino-resort in Boracay island amid government&#x27;s efforts to rehabilitate the top tourist destination.</p><p>Palafox said construction should not be allowed on Boracay&#x27;s white-sand beaches since it will damage the quality of the sand.</p><p>&quot;It might be the wrong land use at the wrong place at the wrong time on a personal basis and a professional basis,&quot; Palafox told ANC.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/21/18/new-boracay-casino-resort-construction-set-in-2019">New Boracay casino-resort construction set in 2019</a></li></ul><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDzCh6MQwBY" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp recently granted a &quot;provisional license&quot; to Macau casino giant Galaxy Entertainment and its Filipino partner, Leisure and Resorts World Corp, to build a 23-hectare casino-resort worth $500 million on the island.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/22/18/palace-defends-500-m-casino-resort-plan-in-boracay">Palace defends $500-M casino-resort plan in Boracay</a></li></ul><p>Boracay tourism stakeholders have also expressed dismay over the planned casino construction.</p><p>Boracay Foundation board member Connie Helgen said the island, known for its picturesque waters and sunsets, should not be marketed as a gambling destination.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/03/22/18/not-a-gambling-destination-boracay-stakeholders-decry-entry-of-new-casino-resort">&#x27;Not a gambling destination&#x27;: Boracay stakeholders decry entry of new casino-resort</a></li></ul><p>&quot;Boracay island is for beach lovers. Boracay is a wholesome destination. Why go to Boracay to play casino? There are so many casinos in Manila and in Macau,&quot; Helgen said.</p><p>The government has tapped Palafox&#x27;s team to help rehabilitate Boracay during the planned shutdown of the island. </p><p>Palafox is proposing a rehabilitation plan which features more eco-friendly structures.    </p><p>If he was to have his way, Palafox said it might be better to build the casino on the mainland in the town of Malay in Aklan.</p><p>The veteran architect also agreed that there should be a limit to the number of tourists allowed in Boracay.</p><p>&quot;So many plans have been done in Boracay but the institutions are not in place and there is issue of governance in all hierarchy of government,&quot; he said.</p><p>Three government agencies have recommended the closure of Boracay island to tourists starting April 26 to give way to rehabilitation efforts.</p><p>The cleanup comes after President Rodrigo Duterte&#x27;s criticism of the tourist destination&#x27;s environmental woes.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/23/18/3-govt-agencies-recommend-boracay-closure-starting-april-26-cimatu">3 gov&#x27;t agencies recommend Boracay closure starting April 26: Cimatu</a></li></ul><div> </div>

<p>MANILA- Architect and urban planner Felino "Jun" Palafox on Saturday criticized the plan to build a casino-resort in Boracay island amid government's efforts to rehabilitate the top tourist destination.</p>

MANILA- Architect and urban planner Felino "Jun" Palafox on Saturday criticized the plan to build a casino-resort in Boracay island amid government's efforts to rehabilitate the top tourist destination.

Why urban planner opposes casino-resort in Boracay

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Why urban planner opposes casino-resort in Boracay

Arianne Merez,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 24, 2018 04:39 PM PHT

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Updated Feb 19, 2020 05:01 PM PHT

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