Jollibee opening in Caticlan port under scrutiny

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo Quimpo has expressed apprehension over the plans to open a Jollibee outlet inside the Caticlan jetty port in Malay, Aklan.

The port is the main jump-off point to Boracay Island and an integral link of the existing nautical highway.  

The Filipino fast food chain operator will open a new store in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan for a 20-year lease agreement with the provincial government of Aklan. It will occupy more or less 350 square meters of the left side area of the existing lobby of Caticlan jetty port and terminal. 

Quimpo said, “she favors a Jollibee branch in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan but she is unsure of the outlet location, adding, the provincial government has to set the priorities right.” 

“I think this thing needs to be restudied. It could really make the jetty port more congested. The traffic of people is uncomfortable lalong lalo na pag delayed ang mga flights o  may bagyo sa Aklan. The main purpose of the port is for the processing of passengers going in and out of Boracay. It is true that we need a food outlet, but perhaps they have to confine in the areas that has been reserved for locators,” the vice-governor stressed. 

Quimpo said the provincial government should have a master plan for locators for the future growth and development of Caticlan port. 

During the interaction last Wednesday, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz questioned the waste disposal management especially the oil and fast food trash that would be generated by the food outlet, the existing storm-drainage canals in Caticlan jetty port and the one-kilometer exclusivity provision in the proposed memorandum of agreement with the provincial government of Aklan as lessor. 

SP member Rodson Mayor, for his part, also supported the position of Quimpo, saying, “it is not a question of earning, but ang turista natin, ang concern natin ay ang accommodation nila.”

After the interaction with Jollibee representatives and jetty port officials, the Aklan SP referred the proposal to the committees on Laws, Environment and Tourism for a careful and thorough study.

WELFARE OF PASSENGERS

Meanwhile, Caticlan port administrator Niven Maquirang assured the SP members that the operation of Jollibee outlet inside the Caticlan jetty port will not affect the welfare and comfort of the passengers going to Boracay. 

Maquirang said “this year, the plan to extend the back portion of the port as additional holding area for roll-on roll-off passengers will push through.” 

“May spaces to accommodate the food outlet. The design of the Jollibee will not affect the existing structure of the jetty port. Nagdagdag lamang sila ng design on the ceiling, sa roof of the jetty port,” he added during the interaction.