DOT 6 led Boracay Stakeholders Core Group Committee Meeting

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“Only compliant establishments can open when Boracay reopens”, this was one of the highlights of the collective position of Boracay Stakeholders Core Group during a meeting with Department of Tourism Undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato recently.

The meeting aims to gather collective plans of the Core Group in terms of Compliance, Accreditation, Trainings, and Promotions and Marketing. The agreement during the meeting will be presented to DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and the members of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force for their consideration.

The group agreed that a “compliant” establishment is one that complies with the regulations of the DILG, DENR, LGU-Malay and DOT. USec. Boncato emphasized the no compliance, no accreditation based on DOT standards policy, which was also supported by DOT Region VI Regional Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas.

“I believe we all had an understanding that each sector shall police its own ranks by making sure members abide by the rules and regulations to operate. Boracay Stakeholders heartily accepted their shortcomings and are doing their best to be compliant”, Director Catalbas explained.

Director Catalbas added the core group also suggested for the regulatory bodies to expedite processing of permits and clearances. She said the suggestion takes into consideration the carrying capacity of the island, which DENR is yet to release.

The Core Group approved that by the end of August 2018, 70% or 1,700 establishments (all sectors) should be compliant so DOT’s accreditation campaign can start by the first week of September. DOT will also conduct trainings for Boracay frontliners starting this July with Effective Customer Service Experience for Boatmen, Porters, Tricyle drivers, vendors, Language Training, and Tourism Awareness Seminar, among others.

“We will make sure Boracay is ready with its services and facilities before reopening. We have the support of our stakeholders, and with that, we are assured that a better, cleaner and environment-friendly Boracay Island will welcome us soon”, Director Catalbas concluded. (KJS)

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