Kalibo Diocese raises social concerns over Boracay casino
The Diocese of Kalibo has renewed its opposition to casino operations in Boracay, calling on Aklan and Malay authorities to put public welfare, family interests and the common good at the center of decisions concerning the island’s development.
The statement comes after the opening of Kaban Hotel and Casino in Barangay Yapak, Malay, marking the arrival of Boracay’s first hotel-casino.
In a pastoral statement signed by Kalibo Bishop Cyril Villareal, the diocese said its position was rooted in concern for human dignity, families and vulnerable communities rather than hostility toward the casino’s owners, employees or other individuals involved in the business.
The property began operations on September 16 as a soft opening. Kaban is part of a 23-hectare development at Station 0 and includes an 88-room hotel and a 2,000-square-meter casino licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). A formal grand launch is scheduled for October 11.
Kalibo Diocese Boracay Casino Concerns Focus on Social Impact
The Diocese of Kalibo argued that Boracay’s development should not be assessed solely through revenues, investment and other economic indicators.
Instead, it said authorities should consider the consequences of development for families, low-income communities and the island’s wider social environment.
“Economic development is important, but development must always remain at the service of the human person,” the diocese said, adding that profit should not become the sole measure of progress.
The statement highlighted the potential consequences of gambling-related financial losses, including debt, family disputes and the diversion of money intended for necessities such as food, education, medicine and household expenses.
The diocese also urged particular attention to people who may be more vulnerable to the prospect of quick financial gains.
Its position is therefore framed around the wider social impact of gambling rather than the legality of casino operations alone.
Boracay casino opening reignites longstanding debate
The opening of Kaban represents a significant change in Boracay’s gaming landscape.
The six-story property combines its casino operation with hospitality, dining and leisure facilities. The casino floor includes table games, slot machines and electronic gaming options, while the wider property is positioned as an inland tourism and entertainment destination.
Kaban says around 40% of its employees are from Aklan, highlighting the potential local employment benefits associated with the development.
The Diocese of Kalibo, however, maintains that such economic benefits need to be considered alongside possible social costs.
The issue is also not entirely new. Opposition to casino development on Boracay has existed for years. Earlier proposals for casino development faced resistance, while the diocese and Aklan officials also expressed objections after the government allowed casino operations on the island in 2021.
The latest statement therefore places the opening of Kaban within a longer-running debate over the role of gambling in Boracay’s economic and tourism strategy.
Diocese appeals to Aklan and Malay authorities
Bishop Villareal appealed directly to the Aklan provincial government, the Municipality of Malay and other relevant government agencies to exercise their responsibilities with the welfare of residents and communities as a primary consideration.
The diocese argued that Boracay’s tourism economy does not necessarily depend on casino gambling.
It pointed instead to the island’s natural attractions, culture and hospitality as existing foundations for sustainable tourism.
“Boracay does not need gambling and casinos to prosper,” the bishop said in the statement.
The argument comes as development continues beyond Boracay’s traditional beachfront tourism areas. Kaban’s Station 0 location forms part of a broader master-planned development that includes additional commercial and leisure facilities.
This expansion could make questions surrounding the island’s future development model increasingly relevant to policymakers, tourism stakeholders and local communities.
Responsible gambling becomes part of the debate
While the Diocese of Kalibo maintains its opposition to casino operations, the new property has emphasized compliance with responsible-gaming requirements.
Kaban states that access to its gaming areas is restricted to people aged 21 and above and that it follows responsible-gaming standards associated with PAGCOR. The casino also says it supports self-exclusion and family-exclusion mechanisms for people experiencing gambling-related problems.
The distinction is important for the broader industry debate.
The dispute is not currently centered on whether Kaban can operate as a licensed casino. Instead, the Diocese is questioning whether the presence and expansion of casino gambling are compatible with its preferred vision for Boracay and the communities that depend on the island.
For the Philippine gaming sector, the discussion illustrates the wider challenge of expanding regulated casino operations while addressing concerns over social impact, responsible gambling and community acceptance.
Boracay's casino expansion faces broader scrutiny
The Diocese of Kalibo has stopped short of framing its statement solely as a regulatory challenge to Kaban. Its appeal is broader, asking government officials to consider what kind of tourism economy Boracay should develop.
That approach places the casino within a wider discussion about sustainable tourism, local employment, community welfare and the social consequences of gambling.
For casino operators and policymakers, the debate could become increasingly significant as gaming becomes more visible in established Philippine tourism destinations.
The Diocese of Kalibo said it would remain opposed to gambling and casino operations while continuing to advocate for human dignity, family welfare and the common good.
For Boracay, the immediate question is no longer whether casino gaming can become part of the island’s tourism economy. Kaban’s opening has already established that reality.
The continuing debate is how that gaming activity should fit within Boracay’s broader economic, social and tourism development objectives.
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Sources
CBCP News / Interaksyon
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