Lapu-Lapu pump boat owners to set up common price base

CEBU, Philippines - Operators of major pump boats for domestic shipping will soon set up a common price base and central reservation system.

 This was bared by Mayor Paz Radaza after meeting with members of the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Commission headed by commissioners Damian T. Gomez and Hembler Mendoza, operators of major pump boats, and representatives from the Lapu-Lapu City Tourist Police headed by Police Chief Inspector Percival R. Zorrilla.

 Radaza said the city is seriously regulating the operations of pump boats, organization and accreditation of all the pump boat operators in the city. Among the major talking points taken was the setting up of a common price base and a central reservation system among the group.

 Some pump boat operators had complained about the difficulty in obtaining licenses from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), which is why some operators have no licenses from the agency.

 The operators have also complained about the growing number of "hupo-hupo" or unlicensed tour guides.

 Radaza told the group she will talk separately with the Marina regarding the slow processing of licenses and how it can be expedited.

 The mayor told the operators to organize themselves in a model similar to that found in Boracay, Aklan so that they can maintain certain standards especially regarding the safety of their passengers, be able to police their ranks, and make it easier for the local government unit to extend its support to them.

The group will once again meet with Radaza and the Tourism Commission on August 12. — THE FREEMAN