TIEZA eyes floating docks in tourist spots

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) plans to build at least six floating docks in tourist destinations next year, in a bid to provide safer facilities for tourists.

“Every other month, I want to open one because it’s easy to put up. It’s really a matter of coordination with the local government units,”TIEZA chief operating officer Pocholo Paragas said.

TIEZA earlier reported that it has installed floating docks at the Honda Bay Wharf in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

In September, TIEZA turned over its first modular dock system to the local government of El Nido in Palawan.

A floating dock is a lightweight quay or jetty, floating on pontoons, that rises and falls with the tide and shipping. Compared to stationary docks, floating docks are much safer, long-lasting and efficient to use.

Paragas said the agency is looking at installing these floating docks in other island tourist destinations such as Puerto Galera, San Vicente, Palawan and Bohol, among others.

“I guess what we’re trying to do right now is, we’re trying to show it further moving forward by opening in other locations,”Paragas said.

The TIEZA official emphasized that these floating docks not only provide safer transport to tourists but also benefit inclusive growth. 

“It does not only affect the tourists, it affects also trade because it’s easier and faster for you embark and disembark on a boat regardless,” Paragas said.

Paragas said average cost for putting up one floating dock is around P20 million, which will fully be shouldered by the TIEZA.

The establishment of a floating dock system in various parts of the country is part of TIEZA’s Project D.R.E.A.M.S (Destination, Restoration, Eco Sustainability, Agrotourism, Medical Assistance,and Security and Accessibility), which aims to provide and improve tourism infrastructure in the country.

“TIEZA continues to work on building tourism infrastructure projects of national interest and significance, to address the infrastructure needs of local communities which in turn will encourage tourism activities and contribute to local and national economic growth,” the agency said.

Also part of project DREAMS is the development of tourist assistance centers in targeted tourism areas that will house basic facilities and services tourists may need while they are on the road.

TIEZA is the infrastructure and investment arm of the Department of Tourism.