| Abstract: |
Boracay Island, Malay, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the
Philippines. Over the years, its sustained growth as a top tourist destination
has been substantially supported by the Island’s informal tourism sector,
which is primarily women-dominated. While both men and women provide tourism
products and services, differences are observed in their occupational choices
and the options made available to them. For this reason, concerns about the
sustainability of tourism development vis-à-vis gender inclusivity have been
raised. To bridge this gap, this study investigated the involvement of women
in the informal tourism of Boracay Island. This study specifically looked into
their working conditions, their challenges and issues, and the national
policies that govern and regulate their participation in the informal economy.
The macro, meso, and micro dimensions of women’s involvement in the informal
tourism economy were analyzed using the Women’s Economic Empowerment
Framework. To do so, the authors conducted key informant interviews in three
phases: first, with members of the local government units (LGUs) of the
Municipality of Malay and the Boracay Island; second, with women informal
workers serving in the food and beverages, souvenirs, excursions, and services
sector in the Boracay Island; finally, with experts in tourism and informal
economy at the national level. The study’s findings suggest that informal
workers on the Island are organized, recognized, and registered under the LGU.
Despite attempts to facilitate their transition to the formal economies, these
women workers were found to prefer to operate under the informal economy for
two reasons: first, their educational background forces them to engage in
informal work to help provide for their families; second, their personal
choice to engage in informal work given the flexible and convenient work
arrangements it offers them. For these workers, concerns about their
dependence on the seasonality of tourism activities prevailed. Policy
recommendations are outlined to provide a better understanding of women’s
involvement in the informal economies in Boracay Island. Comments to this
paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email
publications@pids.gov.ph. |