The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured that programs are already in place to mitigate the economic displacement to micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) that may come as a result of Boracay island's six-month closure to tourists. “We had taken measures and interventions to assess and address the needs of the residents, especially our micro entrepreneurs and local workers, even before the actual closure of the island,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. DTI said in a statement that it has started a series of consultations on April 3, 2018 with provincial and local government units, as well as business counselors, and conducted surveys among local business owners and workers in Boracay. The respondents identified and requested assistance in online marketing, accessing new markets for their products, and help in relocating their businesses.

DTI to aid Boracay MSMEs during island's closure. (2018, May 17). Panay News, p. B1.