Guimaras motor banca groups all set for systematic upgrade

Guimaras motor banca groups all set for systematic upgrade
August 7, 2018 https://thedailyguardian.net/community-news/guimaras-motor-banca-groups-...

COOPERATIVE members and crew of different motorbanca associations in the province of Guimaras gathered to plan a systematic enhancement on their daily operations.

Fifty-five crew from the municipalities of Jordan and Buenavista underwent a workshop for sea transport enhancement conducted by the Guimaras Provincial Tourism Office last August 2, 2018 at GTIC Function Hall, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

Governor Samuel T. Gumarin said the province’s economy is highly dependent on sea transport plying the Iloilo-Guimaras route.

Gumarin said it is high time to address the problems of the sea transport system due to the increase of tourist arrival in Guimaras.

The activity aims to solicit inputs from different stakeholders and the motor banca crews themselves on how to improve the facilities of Iloilo Parola Wharf for the efficient travel of the passengers going to Buenavista and Jordan wharves.

Provincial Tourism Office-OIC head Liberty Ferrer presented several concerns on the operation of the motorbancas during the activity, such as the situation in Ortiz and Parola wharves during peak hours, limited number of boats, abuse of privilege lanes, limited facilities, delay in departure caused by the embarkation and disembarkation of cargoes and increment weather condition among others.

According to Ferrer, the concerns were derived from their consultation and dialogue with the motor banca associations of the two municipalities.

Engineer Evan Arnel Arias, one of the speakers during the workshop, underlined the importance of the maritime sector as it consist the 2.62 percent of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP).

But Arias said that infrastructure is the biggest problem of the country’s maritime industry with its quality of ports, high cost of domestic shipping and poor safety record being number one in East Asia in terms of the number of maritime casualties.

“Poor infrastructure ang number one nga problema sang Philippine maritime industry. Very behind kita globally. In terms of infrastructure, very behind angPilipinas,” Arias said.

Vice Governor Atty. John Edward Gando warned that if these concerns will not be addressed, this would affect the image of the province and the tourism industry in Guimaras.

Gando added that the safety of the commuters cannot be compromised and it is important to create a lasting impression on tourists and residents of the province through an improved transport system.

Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders also attended the event.