Rise in mental health problems, crimes seen with Boracay shutdown
BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN — A 42-year-old single mother of three has fallen into severe depression after she learned that she would lose her job and her home in the wake of the government’s plan to rehabilitate the island-resort of Boracay.
The woman, whose name was withheld, could no longer work as a masseuse for six months when Boracay is closed down to tourists starting April 26.
She was also bound to lose her house after she was informed that she had to demolish her shanty because it was built on a wetland, according to Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Magdalena Prado.
Social workers had been assisting the woman after she showed signs of severe depression, Prado added.
The woman was brought to the house of her sister on the mainland in Malay town to help her recover, said Prado.
But this would not be an isolated case.
Local officials and government agencies are bracing for psycho-social problems following the loss of employment and livelihood when Boracay Island is shut down to tourism activities to pave the way for the rehabilitation of the island plagued with environmental problems.
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