ILOILO City has emerged as a proud destination for gastronomy and heritage tours. Similarly, Iloilo province takes pride in its ancient churches scattered across various towns.
It’s undeniable that Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas and Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. are among the most elated leaders in Western Visayas, given the accolades awarded to their jurisdictions.
However, it’s disheartening to note that the recognition bestowed upon the city and province is marred by certain sectors within the government and society who seem indifferent to enhancing tourism in these areas. Despite being a well-known issue, governmental agencies have yet to address several concerns voiced by travelers, which would otherwise enhance the experience for tourists and business visitors alike. This topic ignited a spirited discussion during our recent coffee bar meet-up.
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“A friend of mine had a frustrating experience at the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan. She struggled to use the Grabcar service, being asked to walk nearly a hundred steps to reach the vehicle instead of being picked up at the terminal’s waiting bay. Her disappointment as a first-time visitor to the province was palpable,” shared a businessman in our group.
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“The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is tasked with ensuring a welcoming and satisfactory service for travelers. However, it raises questions whether the agency is treating all rent-a-car services fairly or if there’s a bias towards taxicab operators. It makes one wonder if there’s an underlying issue or bias within the agency,” a doctor remarked while enjoying his Americano.
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Another businessman speculated about the presence of influential figures exerting control behind the scenes.
“If taxicabs are favored, it only validates my suspicions. How can tourists genuinely appreciate the Philippines when there are elements within the government undermining the Department of Tourism’s efforts? Perhaps it’s time for Mayor Treñas and Governor Defensor to delve into these unfortunate experiences faced by tourists,” he said.
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“Awareness of these issues by Jimmy Bautista at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) could lead to improvements. The effectiveness of government agencies often reflects the quality of their leadership. The transport sector’s competitive landscape requires equitable opportunities for all operators, avoiding any favoritism. After all, ‘bread’ is often thicker than water, if you catch my drift,” a retired banker added.
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“This situation deserves the attention of the local government units in Cabatuan and Iloilo. Yet, one wonders if they are truly concerned. Mayor Treñas, known for his proactive stance on tourism, should address this transport debacle with the DOTr to safeguard his city’s reputation,” the banker continued.
“Personally, I now prefer TNVC vehicles for their affordability and convenience over the traditional taxicabs, whose drivers sometimes leave much to be desired. The experience with private car rentals feels akin to driving your own vehicle,” he concluded.
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“At the Iloilo seaport, taking a taxicab is a smooth process, in stark contrast to Bacolod’s chaotic setup. Despite being a private port, Bacolod lacks the professional management necessary to maintain order. This comparison underscores the potential for improvement with the right oversight,” a Negrense golfer noted./PN
