In a resolution approved by MIMAROPA Regional Development Council (RDC) during its 87th full council meeting presided by Romblon Governor Jose R. Riano, a Technical Working Group (TWG) was created to address accessibility and security concerns of passengers at Batangas International Port.
Tasked to lead the group to conduct dialogues and meetings which include ocular inspections and consultations is veteran RDC private sector representative from the province of Romblon, Rodne Galicha of Bayay Sibuyanon Inc.
“It has been raised consistently at council meetings that passenger commuters have been greatly affected by current port accessibility policies, especially our most vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and children,” said Galicha.
“The technical working group will do its best to listen to all parties and agencies concerned, agree on urgent mitigation actions, and recommend policies to the RDC executive committee to ensure that no one is left behind and that the interests and safety of our commuters are prioritized,” Galicha added.
Commuting passengers and tourists going to Mindoro, Romblon, and Panay islands are forced to walk for 10 to 15 minutes under the heat of the sun or heavy rainfall to a small port gate, pay overcharged tricycle fares, met by unsolicited offers for assistance usually leading to intimidation to spend money or buy food items. A private office is also strategically stationed in front of the small gate selling travel insurance products which many innocent passengers assumed as entry or travel requirements.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Basic Sector representatives have also articulated the same concerns, which were brought to the attention of MIMAROPA-RDC.
Galicha hopes that agreements will be met before the end of September and a plan of action established to reduce and eventually end the troubles of passengers, especially of the most vulnerable.
