Land Reclamation Leads To A World-Class Jetty

The halted rec-lamation 2.64 hectares project of foreshore area in Caticlan, Malay will greatly contribute towards making the present Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal (CJPPT) world-class, a vision shared by those who are truly tourism. concerned.

CJPPT Administrator Niven Maquirang pointed to the reclamation project that will enhance the present beach front in and around the present Caticlan Port Terminal against coastal erosions, recover, and restore the original coastal zone of Caticlan.

On it, the provincial government will build commercial buildings adjacent to the existing jetty port, expand the present port facilities, and improve its present services to the growing number of users both local and international tourists.

Speaking thru experience, Maquirang reported that when CJPPT started operation in 2006, it brought in P26 million to the provincial coffers.

According to Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Aklan generated a total of P13.2 billion in tourism receipts (in 2010).

The CJPPT recorded nearly a hundred million collection for this year which now form part of sources of local income to fuel Aklan’s economy.

According to former Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, to prepare the resort island of Boracay for the projected one million tourists, there is a need for reclamation to take place to house an all-weather jetty port and a "world-class" passenger terminal building in Caticlan as well as in Tabon.

In the past, Aklan proved that it was successful in constructing vital infrastructure in support of the flourishing tourism industry.

"There is no question therefore that the Aklan provincial government will successfully implement the project. After all, the provincial leadership and the tourism sector are one in undertaking bigger income generating activities to provide more gainful employment for its constituents, more benefits, support mechanism, and services to the populace," he added.

The length of reclamation at the northern right side of Caticlan jetty is approximately two kilometers width an average with of 100 meters, while at southern left side of Caticlan jetty is approximately 1.4 kilometers with the same average width of 100 meters.

In 2009, Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Gov. Carlito S. Marquez to pursue the reclamation project which was issued ECC by DENR in April, 2010. by ULYSSES V. ESPARTERO /MP