Provincial Tourism Summit Promises Dividends

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Boracay are specified in a Provincial Ordinance. It is in Caticlan during normal weather and in Cagban Jetty Ports during bad weather. This was discussed during the Kapihan forum on October 8, 2011 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. "Jetty Port Administration" was discussed with Administrator Niven Maquirang as the only resource speaker.

In any tourism agenda, a favorable impression among the guests during their limited sojourn is key to strong and sustained growth, said Architect Niven Maquirang in his opening statement. It is significant that our tourism data from January to September 2011 revealed some 680,605 domestic and foreign tourists visited Aklan. This is expected to hit 820,000 by December. Compared to the same period last year, 779,666 tourists visited Aklan. This is a modest growth of 4.91 percent.

Revenue collection in both ports as of September 2011 is P89 million boosted by 20 percent income from Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) serving interisland and RORO vessels. Presently, Caticlan Jetty Port handles 1.6 million inter island passengers and 0.8 million Boracay bound tourist per year.

The Caticlan Jetty Port is hailed as a success story by the Department of Finance under a P40 million bond floatation payable to Rizal Commercial Banking Corp in seven years. Earlier, detractors called it a "white elephant". Thanks to the strong leadership of former Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores. Loan obligation was settled in only 5 years. To date it is the only viable sector of the Province’s Economic Enterprise Development project.

Our strategic planning calls for aggressive but realistic projects considering the limited resources, Maquirang confided. For immediate implementation are: a) repair of terminal building and turnstile at Cagban Jetty Port worth P3 million, b) unified ticketing system from Caticlan Airport to reserved hotel using standard 4 wheel vehicles and fastcraft, and c) completion of Caticlan reclamation project of 2.6 hectares to increase docking load capacity from 5 to 20 watercrafts. Ample area will house the one stop shop offices of government line agencies, banking, shipping companies, and maritime security. Moreover, it will accommodate a common transport terminal building serving the sector.

Aklan’s long term tourism plan includes: a) holding a provincial tourism summit that will involve GO and NGO stakeholders in the industry. It is envisioned that viable projects and sound practices will emerge from synergies of business and political leaders not only in developing and marketing Boracay but other potentially rich tourist destinations of Buruanga, Nabas, Ibajay, Tangalan, New Washington, Batan, Kalibo, and Libacao, b) re-routing Iloilo, Negros, and Antique-bound passengers direct to RORO Iloilo rather than Caticlan to address environmental concerns of oil spill and passenger traffic at PPI docking facility, and c) installation of air conditioning system in both Jetty Ports.

In operation for some time are 2 units of X-ray machines for Boracay bound passengers and inter island travelers. A weighbridge handles all kinds of transport vehicles, a pre-requisite of maritime and highway safety. A modern electronic gadget handles both acoounts for environmental and terminal fees and crediting same to LGU’s.

Putting our acts together involves Aklan infra capability in its airports, seaports, highway, and tourist accomodations. While tourists may enjoy the scenic boat ride and white water rafting of Libacao, one must consider the peripheral damage to one’s helth like braving perilous and torture highways and nerve wracking trails. The guests may find it difficult to find decent lodging houses in the area. Aklan’s museums, public parks, and historical sites are in sad state. Ati-Atihan, a religious-cultural event is staged once a year in five key municipalities of Aklan. Lately, Boracay staged its own Ati-Ati. Hence, tourists need not go to savor the real thing in Kalibo or Ibajay. A banca ride through our mangrove forests of Kalibo and New Washington can provide fun and adventures.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas lately disclosed that 40 percent of male tourists visiting the Philippines are on sex escapades. Whether true or not, this casts a bad light on our reputation and denunciation against trafficking in persons especially women and children. Many knows of social media excesses done on twitter and facebook and cellphone textings. No one knows exactly how sex for sale could be arranged in secret cubicles away from the prying eyes of authorities. One might recall the candid steamy sexual act of two foreigners in one of Boracay’s beachfronts caught on film by ABS-CBN TV crew members on New Year’s day this year. Nevertheless, Mr. Thomas owes the Filipino people a credible explanation and or apology.

Mr. Maquirang suggests an Octoberfest, a drinking spree for beer lovers who may drop in Kalibo joint while bidding their time to board their plane at KIA. This may be appealing but alcohol is a depressant and may be incompatible with sound airline travel practices. Instead, it may be plausible to have one stop shop of wide array of quality handicrafts, RTW’s, paintings and art décor, pastries, and native delicacies right in the heart of Kalibo. DTI and Kalibo Tourism Council may start. Aklan Provincial Tourism Council has started putting up souvenir shop at KIA.

The gateway to fabled Boracay Island is closely guarded and managed by an unassuming professional who also designed the modern annex building of DRSTMH. His hallmark of success is not based on empty promises but a painstaking work ethics spilling over to his rank and file employees. It’s pretty good momentum and we hope he keeps it up. /MP