Pumpboat to ferry guests from Boracay up to 3 a.m. mulled
IBAJAY, AKLAN—In a move that would certainly please party animals, President Macapagal-Arrroyo yesterday announced that she has directed the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to provide a pumpboat to ferry guests from Boracay to the mainland up to 3 a.m.
The President said that Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano has agreed for the PTA to buy a pumpboat that will be operated by the Aklan Chamber (of Commerce). She said the boat "will bring back the night lifers at 3 a.m. from Boracay back to the mainland."
Passengers presently ferry guests from the island-resort to the mainland only up to 10 p.m.
The late trip would allow tourists who stay on the mainland to enjoy the island's beach and popular nightlife to go back after after partying on the island, according to Ms Arroyo. She said this will also allow tourists to enjoy other destinations in northern Panay like Pandan and Libertad towns in Antique and Ibajay in Aklan.
The President said in a speech during the inauguration of the P207-million bridge funded by both the Philippine and United Kingdom governments in Barangay Palo here, around 35 km north of the capital town of Kalibo.
Resort owners welcomed the announcement. But Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) President Loubelle Cann said priority should be in providing transportation and housing for resort staff and other service personnel so that they could return to the mainland after their work. This would help decongest the island and lessen the strain on its resources and infrastructure, said Cann.
Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta said authorities should also closely monitor and supervise the operation of the boat to ensure the safety of guests.
The President also announced that she will be in Boracay in November to inaugurate the US$60-million Boracay Shangri-La Resort and Spa. She said the hotel will be the "first five-star international resort on the island.
During the ceremony, the President also announced that the government through the National Disaster Coordinating Council will give P5 million for the reconstruction of the Ibajay market which was gutted by fire early this year.