Opinion Polls
By Marichel Teves-Magalona

Are you in favor of the proposal to replace pumpboats plying Caticlan and Boracay Island with larger ferry boats? Why?

JUNDY GUECO

If it ain't broken, why fix it.

BEBOT ESPINOSA

Yes! More efficient service will arise – faster and more convenient for the riding tourists!

LYNNIE DENILA

Yes. My mother-in-law died last 1994 at Boracay on her birthday because she and her family where thrown off a pumpboat when it tipped over. Long overdue. We must always consider safety first.

CAROLINE JAVELLANA

No, pumpboats have cheaper fare compared to larger ferry boats. I prefer pumpboats rather than the larger ferries.

COREL LOCSIN-YAP

Neither. Why not the paraw regatta kinds instead. They look nicer and environmentally friendly.

JOE ZULUETA

Nope. It's working well now. Why change it. A lot of people will be displaced.

ALAN SORIANO

No, because it will destroy the beauty of its natural transportation and lots of boatmen and operators will again lose their source of income.

DENNIS LOCSIN

Frankly, I don't see any reason why pumpboats should be replaced. It can't be safety—I haven't heard of a pumpboat that sank. It can't be cost – is there anything cheaper? Convenience? …You're virtually delivered to your doorstep.

DR. ED DIAZ

Well, kaluoy man sang mga pumpboat operators who were there already since Boracay was opened to public, dulaon sila. On the other hand, it is safer to have big ferries. Why don't they have both na lang. Depende na lang sa passengers which boat they want to ride on.

EMMA NAVA

I'm ambivalent! The pumpboats are a source of income for a lot of people. The bigger ferry boat could carry more passengers and consume less gasoline compared to the numerous pumpboats plying the stretch of Boracay. But then again it's honest work for the locals.

CANDY CAMPOS

Yes, for public safety especially when children particularly toddlers are there. We should be wary of unforeseen sea disasters.

CIRILO CALABIO

Ferry boat would be an efficient way to transport tourists however the beauty and the excitement of a pumpboat ride is irreplaceable. A pumpboat is not just a means of transporation but a life, a lifestyle, a way of life and an attraction in itself in a truly exotic BORACAY trip.

YEHLEN J. CAMARISTA

I'm not in favor because the boat trip is just 15–20 minutes. The pumpboat has some historical and cultural value to Filipinos which tourists appreciate when properly and interestingly explained to them. The local people who operate and man the pumpboat should be put in mind before the change is effected. However, the docking along the beach should be properly regulated.

ANN DIVINAGRACIA

From pumpboats to ferries to cruise ships. From locally owned nipa huts and beach houses to exclusive resorts, each one with one more star than the last. The question is how far do we want it to go? And what do the true indigenous locals have to say?

GOODY ARANCILLO

Nope, a pumpboat will do as long as they could regulate the number and assign where to dock.

JACKIE WONG-TINSAY

I'm not in favor of removing the pumpboat as this is part of the allure of Boracay. It will also displace a lot of pumpboat owners. I am, however in favor of regulating their operations. Strictly no parking in front, night and day.