New Caticlan Jetty Port rules readied for Boracay reopening

The Caticlan Jetty Port administration is readying a set of new guidelines for the reopening of this resort island in the last quarter of this year.

Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Niven M. Maquirang said a draft of the guidelines is being prepared and would be subjected to deliberation and approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan and the Malay council.

The draft guidelines would also be forwarded to the Department of Tourism for comments.

The jetty port serves as the major gateway for tourists coming to and from Boracay. This world-class beach destination was closed to tourists for six months beginning on April 26.

“Said draft includes [a rule that] every tourist going to Boracay must present first their hotel bookings before [they are allowed] passage to the jetty port,” Maquirang said. “Hotels may also put up booths at the jetty port to cater to walk-in tourists.”

The jetty port also plans to put up a one-stop shop for companies hiring new workers once Boracay is opened again for tourists.

Maquirang, special operations officer IV jetty port administrator-Designate, said job interviews and hiring of applicants should also be done at the jetty port in cooperation with the Provincial Employment Service Office. “Once the applicant has been hired, he [or she] will be given a contract,” he explained. “The contract will then serve [as] a gate pass for workers to board a boat for Boracay.”

The one-stop shop aims to control the flow of people coming to and from Boracay, Maquirang added.