Convene Malay ports management board

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Malay wants to convene the management board to address issues and concerns in government-managed ports in Malay, Aklan.

Cagban and Caticlan ports are operated by the Aklan provincial government under the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).

                                   PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

Malay town vice mayor Abram Sualog said the port management board was part of the conditions set by the local government of Malay and a business group in Boracay prior to their endorsement of 2.64-hectares reclamation of foreshore area in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.

In 2009, the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay expressed its opposition before the Supreme Court against the reclamation project of Aklan provincial government, claiming, any project developments of government authorities should have prior public consultation and endorsement of LGU Malay.

“The management board will discuss problems that may arise in jetty ports. We don't want there will be misunderstandings  with the provincial government in future port projects which could be resolve in the management board,” Sualog stressed in the regular session.

SB member Dante Pagsuguiron also raised the issue why until now the port management board does not convene.

"There is nothing wrong to convene the management board. It is good for the harmonious relationship of the provincial government and Malay. What is important is that we have participation also in the decision making in the operations and projects to be implemented in jetty ports,” he added.

SB member Frolibar Bautista cited that expansion of Cagban port in Manoc-Manoc is not yet endorsed by the local government. 

“We are not against port developments but the LGU Malay must be consulted also. We have the right to know if the expansion project is intended for big vessels or not,” he added.

Currently, the Caticlan port accommodates 1.7 million foreign and local tourists.  It also serves as transit point of passengers of roll-on roll-off vessels and motorized boats to Batangas, Romblon and Mindoro.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.