HABAGAT SEASON

No phase-out of Boracay motorized pumpboats - Durana

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

NO PHASE-OUT. The motorized pump boats of the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) serving the Caticlan-Boracay route (BRZabal)

BORACAY – There is no truth in the ‘phase-out’ of motorized pump boats when Task Force Boracay implements the guidelines on one entry one exit policy during habagat season.

Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr, acting Aklan police director, said “a win-win solution should prevail to ensure the safety and security of visiting tourists and residents in the island of Boracay.”

Durana stressed the Task Force Boracay consulted the stakeholders and pump boat owners of Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) for the implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 15-03 imposing a one-entry-one-exit policy on the island-resort.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP), particularly the Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) will really go along side with the provincial government to implement those policies for the benefits of Aklanons,” he said.

The one entry one exit ordinance was implemented by Task Force Borcay during the amihan season or summer months, but, from June to October or ‘off-season” the motorized pump boats are expected to dock at the other side of the long beach of the island.

During fair sea conditions, motorized pump boats and sizeable ferries are allowed to embark and disembark passengers at Caticlan Jetty Port and Cagban Jetty Port, Durana stressed.

When the sea conditions are medium and rough, the Caticlan Jetty Port is the designated entry point for ferries while the Tambisaan in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc to Tabon for motorized pump boats as exit point.
During stormy weather, the Task Force Boracay designates Tambisaan-Tabon area as one-entry one exit point for motorized pump boats with the sanction of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Provincial Ordinance, “An Ordinance for the Preservation, Protection Security and Safety of the Provincial Tourism Assets and Resources” directs that any sea craft is prohibited to embark or disembark passengers anywhere around the island except at the Cagban Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc.

Tourist arrivals reached 234,491 foreign and local tourists, of which 73,104 foreign tourists visited the world-famous island from January to April this year.