Saturday, September 24, 2005

Shuttle Van Group Opposes MMC Entry

By: Boy Ryan B. Zabal

The Shuttle Van Group allied with the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) wants to defer the business permit application of big firms like Magsaysay Maritime Corporation (MMC) and AMPO Shipping Lines.
In its position paper, the CBTMPC Shuttle Van Group pointed out that “it is proper for the local government of Malay to conduct a formal public hearing first” before approval of new application of any transport company to service the Kalibo – Caticlan – Kalibo route.
MMC and AMPO Shipping Lines plan to start operations in Boracay next year.
“We support the stand of the United Coops and Associations of Malay (UCAM) opposing the entry of multinational firms in the transport business in Aklan,” Jesus Jingco Jr., the group’s business manager said. The shuttle van group is composed of 33 members/operators of 36 public utility vans servicing the Kalibo-Caticlan – Kalibo route. The group is specifically catering to foreign and local tourists visiting the Boracay island.
“The wonders of Boracay reside and evolve not only in its natural beauty, but also its people. Neglecting those who directly contribute to the island’s development may bring sorrow and turmoil,” warned the shuttle van group.
Local drivers claimed that the entry of MMC and AMPO will have adverse effects on the socio-economic well-being of the people, particularly the existing public transport industry servicing Boracay, Caticlan and the town of Kalibo.
MMC and AMPO, the UCAM said, would deny the striving cooperatives and associations in Boracay of economic opportunities. “We are striving, even with limited resources, to improve our services. We are not sleeping on these concerns,” UCAM stressed. MMC is investing P150-million for all-weather sea crafts next year and some 51 units of 1,000 cc Suzuki vehicles for a reliable and efficient transport of goods and people on the island.
AMPO Shipping Lines also proposed to bring its 220-seater craft to support the United Mass Transport System (UMTS) of the government.
In a joint meeting of the Rotary Club of Kalibo and Metro Kalibo last week, Mr. Arturo Alejandrino and Mr. Christopher Ramos, Consultant and Vice President respectively of MMC revealed the transport business for the Kalibo – Caticlan – Kalibo route will be left to the present stakeholders. Ramos though suggested to improve the present vehicles and services.
Ramos also revealed that MMC is willing to allow sharing of the ferry service between Caticlan – Cagban – Caticlan with CBTMPC if the cooperative is willing to put up the requirement in terms of equipment and services. Ramos also disclosed MMC will also share the land transport service in Boracay with the present stakeholders. “Agreement can be arranged with both parties,” Ramos said.
As guest speaker of RC Kalibo, Alejandrino presented the present deplorable transport services followed in Boracay. In a power point presentation, Alejandrino pictured the inconvenience use of pump boats, flat boats, and “tibong”. He presented pictures of the improper storage of life vest, the dilapidated pump boats powered by aged engine that pollutes the environment and the motorcycles and tricycles with passengers packed like sardines. Pictures were projected of pollution brought about by motorcycles.
After analyzing the present antiquated transport system in Boracay, Alejandrino presented how MMC will transform the transport system into world class that will serve the needs of some one million tourists who will visit Boracay starting 2009. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

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