Express Ticketing System Is Laudable

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Peace and Order, Security and Transport in Aklan were the topics discussed during the Kapihan sa Aklan on Saturday, Sept. 1 with Engr. Percy Malonesio - Manager, KIA,  PSUPT. Pedrito M. Escarilla - Aklan PNP Provincial Director, Mr. Nieven Maquirang - Administrator, Caticlan Jetty Port, and  Mr. Noemi F. Panado - Chairman, Kalibo International Airport Transport Association as resource persons. Others in the picture are members the Aklan social media. 

“Peace and Order, Security and Transport in Aklan” is the topic discussed in the Kapihan forum at 3rd floor, HRM Building, NVC on September 1, 2012. Guests are OIC Police Supt. Pedrito M. Escarilla, Mr. Noemi F. Panado, Chairman KIATA, Engr. Percy A. Malonesio, Manager KIA, Mr. Niven Maquirang, Administrator, Caticlan Jetty Port and Mr. Bonnie Javelosa, Mr. Arneo Salvacion all of Southwest Tours.

Mr. Panado said that Kalibo Int’l Airport Transport Assn. (KIATA) has avowed mission to provide safety, comfort, security and transport to tourists from KIA to Caticlan Jetty Port terminal and to other destinations. Policing their ranks against colorum van operators are given emphasis since they are the proverbial “bad eggs”. Private vehicles or outsiders are issued stickers upon payment of P100 each as entrance fee. Drivers can drop off their passenger(s) at KIA departure area but prohibited to stay in parking lot and get other passengers, disclosed the former Police Officer.

He is supported by Engr. Malonesio that they are one with KIATA in promoting systematic and orderly flow of passengers and transport vehicles. Airport security is done in close coordination with DOTC-LTO-HPG, AVSECOM and Kalibo Auxiliary Police (KAP). Color coding is enforced in all transport vehicles for Boracay-bound tourists. So far, we have succeeded in 70-80 percent of cases against operators of colorum vehicles declared the Airport Manager Malonesio.

Police Supt. Escarilla although new to his present post was previously assigned in Aklan for 17 years having been Police Chief of Ibajay and Kalibo. Being familiar with potential danger spots, police outposts will be opened in forested road section of Campo Verde. He has zero tolerance for police scalawags but prompt to give awards and recognition to deserving ones. He believes that colorum bus/van operators issue is a mater of strict law enforcement and could be coordinated with CAAP and DOTC personnel said the PNP Director.

Mr. Maquirang announced that the Provincial government has adopted a hassle-free, seamless transport system, one stop shop at KIA where Boracay-bound tourists make lump sum payment for van/bus, environmental fee, terminal ticket, boat ride and jeepney fare up to their billeted hotel or resort.

For security purposes, CCTV cameras are installed in strategic places namely: Jetty and Cagban Ports, high end hotel and highway. Monitoring is done 24/7 and could be accessed via the internet/Wifi said Mr. Maquirang.

Mr. Salvacion representing Mr. Cedric Sazon of Southwest Tour said that their private initiative called the Express Ticketing System is a program adopted by travel agencies that is gaining adherents worldwide. They have their own rented room and turnstile installed at Caticlan Jetty Port so their customers need not worry about mundane matters except to anticipate a truly relaxing and exhilarating island experience.

Operators of colorum vehicles could not ply their nefarious trade unless there is a protector or cuddler. Whoever he is must be weeded out soonest possible. It is grossly unfair to legitimate bus/van operators to pay franchise, insurance and membership fees where crooks steal their profits. It is unfortunate that perpetrators of this dastardly act have been active for the last two years operating with virtual impunity. No one is above the law in “daang matuwid”.

Express ticketing system must be adopted by all transport operators bonding together to create about 3 entities targeting high, middle, and low class business establishments in Boracay. Slowly but unerringly we are developing a world class tourist destination with state of the art transport system. Operational sphere are airports of Kalibo and Caticlan and inter island transport from Batangas (RORO via Calapan or direct Caticlan). Docking of first international cruise ship in Boracay in October 27 is awaited with baited breath. Mr. Maquirang says they are 50–70 percent prepared with pontoon facility that cost P4-5 million. Ocean liner carrying 1800 passengers will be staying briefly – 8 hours before leaving for Manila. Considering the HIV/AIDS pandemic it would be important to make random check of passengers as a health precaution. General rule is that tourists are welcome but not STD’s. Two or more cruise vessels are scheduled to visit early part of 2013 says Mr. Maquirang. 

Seal of Good Housekeeping

Our congratulations to Governor Carlito S. Marquez for receiving plum award Seal of Good Housekeeping from DILG. Incentive is a windfall prize of P7 million that will most likely to be for poverty alleviation and preventive health care. 

It is ironic that despite our billionaire status, practically half of Aklanon population is classified by National Statistics Coordination Board as living below the poverty line. Fifteen out of 17 municipalities are recipients of Conditional Cash Transfer. Food supply is at critical level because youth seeks high paying jobs in cities or abroad leaving farming to older folks.

Inability of local population to actively participate in the tourism industry like supplying food and cottage industry products is one compelling factor why thousands are languishing in poverty while a handful are rich. Trickledown effect of vibrant tourism industry in Boracay is not felt by majority of population. In fact tourism money estimated to be P17 billion per year do not circulate in Aklan forcing the Central Bank Satellite Office in Kalibo to transfer to Roxas City. 

The Provincial government is adopting a skewed policy of more investments in infra projects for tourism while neglecting agriculture which is supposed to be its lifeblood. Long term effect could lead to big disparity in income levels and economic depression. Seal of good housekeeping is issued for good governance and implies that realization of administration goals like poverty alleviation and job generation are included in the criteria. Otherwise the award appears hollow and inconsequential. Perhaps the P7 million is justified for the benefit of the doubt. /MP