Boracay water transports OK DOT's repair,repaint proposal

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI proposed to water transport cooperatives in Boracay for the free repair and repaint of their boats in preparation for the Boracay reopening on October 26, 2018.

DOT Region VI Director Helen Catalbas met Analy Ibabao and Mike Siñel of Malay Association Sailing Boat Owners Incorporated (MASBOI) Sailboat Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Lenilyn Maming, secretary of Boracay Island Hopping Association (BIHA) Multi-purpose Cooperative, to discuss the proposal.

The said proposal of DOT Region VI was welcomed by the cooperatives that admitted their livelihood suffered because of the closure of Boracay Island to tourism activities.

"We want that during the Boracay reopening, all water transport that cater to tourists are presentable. It's like a new beginning not only for Boracay but also all services being offered. We want to give the tourists better service, accommodation and tourist experience", Director Catalbas said.

The DOT Region VI will be the one responsible for the paint to be used, while the boat crew who will be doing the repainting will be paid by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VI under the Cash for Work Program. Repair and repainting works will commence second week of September 2018.

According to Analy Ibabao of MASBOI Sailboat Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the free repair and repaint is also a great help for them.

“Our boats will not only look good during Boracay reopening but it will also help the crew to have an extra income through the cash for work by repairing and repainting these boats”, Ibabao said.

Ibabao also assured that they will maintain the good looks of the boats after the free repaint and repair of DOT Region VI in partnership with the DOLE Region VI.