MALAY, Aklan – Personnel from different state agencies will man a one-stop shop that will be set up today at the Caticlan jetty port – the main jump-off point to the world-famous Boracay Island.
The one-stop shop aims to address issues regarding the entry and exit of residents, workers and media members in the island resort that will be closed up to six months beginning Thursday to pave the way for its rehabilitation.
The Tourism, Interior and Local Government, and Environment departments, the Bureau of Immigration, and the local government of Malay will assign representatives at the one-stop shop, according to jetty port administrator Niven Maquirang.
Security personnel from the Police Regional Office 6, local police station and task forces, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard have already been deployed to the Caticlan and Cagban ports.
“Para ready na tayo sa April 26, pinapraktis na natin ang ID system sa pagpasok sa Boracay,” said Maquirang, adding that a dry run will be conducted today at the Caticlan port.
The port administrator foreign and domestic tourists, including those living in mainland Malay, will not be allowed entry to Boracay once it shuts down.
Residents must present their barangay identification cards upon entering and leaving Boracay.
“Kapag may ID ka na may address sa Boracay, ikaw ay residente at ito ay kailangan lamang na i-present sa ports para makapasok,” Maquirang said.
Rehabilitation workers, on the other hand, must secure their terminal identification pass to be allowed island entry.
“May special lanes at may mga IDs na rin ang mga workers na kasama sa rehabilitation,” Maquirang added.
Meanwhile, the Tourism department earlier said, “Media will be allowed entry subject to prior approval from the Department of Tourism, with a definite duration and limited movement.”
Journalists will only be allowed to stay in Boracay from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their coverages will also be limited to “designated areas” while access to other areas would require prior permission and escorts.
Before embarking motorboats and ferries, residents, workers and media members will be subjected to inspection. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
