DOT, MARINA back one entry, exit policy

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

BORACAY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) are supportive of the full implementation of the One Entry, One exit policy.

The policy is now enforced by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and the Task Force Bantay Boracay under the leadership of Police Senior Supt. Benigno B. Durana, Jr.

It maybe recalled that last year, the provincial government represented by Governor Carlito S. Marquez signed a Memorandum of Agreement with DOT and MARINA relative to the implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 05-016 creating the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).

The Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal in Barangay Caticlan in mainland Malay and Cagban Jetty Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc in the island Boracay was placed under the operation of EEDD according to Asst. Department Head Rex Consemino.

Under the agreement, the MARINA now accredits persons and entities engaged in the business of delivering tourism-oriented services upon the endorsement of the provincial government of their application. It will also lead in the conduct of the continuing trainings and reeducation process of all persons involved in the operation of tourism business.

For purpose of accreditation, MARINA established a satellite office at the jetty port, confirmed CJPPT Administrator Architect Niven Maquirang.

The DOT Regional Office on the other hand may recall and cancel any permit, license, clearance and certifications issued in violation of Ordinance No. 05-032 or the One Entry/Exit Policy.

MARINA has reiterated its full support to the policy according to Regional Director Mary Ann Armi Z. Arcilla.

“Finding the thrust of provincial government to heighten security in order, we have asked the Philippine Coast Guard to apprehend unregistered vessels or those with expired Certificate of Public Convenience (CPCs) plying the Caticlan Boracay,” Arcilla said.

DOT Regional Director Edwin C. Trompeta endorsed the policy, which according to him will “put in order the movement of tourists, cargoes and sea and land transports to and from the island.”

“For many years, DOT has seen the chaotic disembarkation of people and goods from Caticlan to Boracay and vice versa,” Trompeta, also an Aklanon, said.

Trompeta stressed this chaotic and uncontrolled activity at ,many points have contributed to the rise in many illegal activities in the island.

Among these activities are overcharging, double payments, unsafe and dangerous transfers and tensions to the visitors and in many instances resulting to loss of property and even death when boats capsize because of overloading.

As a response to the growing clamor for change in the transport system, the DOT strongly and unequivocally endorses the full implementation of one entry-one exit policy of the provincial government.

The endorsement was made in a bid to streamline and put in order the movement of tourists, goods and sea and land transports to and from the island.

Trompeta stressed the provincial leadership of Aklan should be encouraged and congratulated for the vision to see through the horizon of making Boracay a world-class destination by ensuring the convenience, comfort and safety of tourists and visitors to the island.

According to Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, the provincial government has invested sizeable funds to tourism support infrastructure facilities particularly in the resort island of Boracay.
This is the very reason why the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed and approved a provincial ordinance implementing the regulations of the one entry-one exit policy to and from Boracay for the preservation, protection, security and safety of the provincial tourism assets and resources.