Tabon Port Development Amid Habagat Disruptions

By Jun N. Aguirre

Councilor Aguirre-Salem commends Tabon Port management for its efforts in the ongoing development of the facility. 📸 SB Vicky Aguirre-Salem

The ongoing development of the Tabon Port in Barangay Tabon, Malay, is expected to strengthen the municipality’s maritime transport network as Boracay continues to grapple with transportation challenges brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

According to a series of Facebook posts by Malay Councilor Maria Victoria “Vicky” Aguirre-Salem, work is progressing on the improvement of Tabon Port, a project viewed as a significant investment in the municipality’s transport infrastructure. The upgraded facility is envisioned to improve the movement of passengers and cargo while serving as an additional gateway that supports tourism and local commerce.

On June 7, 2026, Aguirre-Salem, chairperson of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Public Safety, delivered a privilege speech before the Malay Council highlighting concerns surrounding the port facility. She noted that among the challenges faced by travelers, particularly senior citizens and persons with disabilities, are the sandy access roads leading to the port. Following her privilege speech, she initiated a series of committee hearings aimed at addressing these concerns and advancing plans for the port’s development.

The project comes at a crucial time as strong southwest monsoon winds continue to affect sea travel between Caticlan and Boracay. During the Habagat season, rough sea conditions often force authorities to suspend or reroute boat operations, resulting in stranded passengers, delayed deliveries of goods, and disruptions to tourism-related activities.

Boracay, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism, regularly experiences operational challenges during periods of strong Habagat. Boat trips are frequently transferred to alternative ports or temporarily suspended whenever weather conditions become unsafe, affecting hundreds of tourists, workers and residents.

Aguirre-Salem said that improving mainland port facilities such as Tabon Port would enhance the municipality’s ability to respond to changing weather conditions and provide more resilient transport infrastructure in support of Boracay’s tourism industry.

Aside from improving passenger convenience and accessibility, the upgraded port is also expected to facilitate the movement of supplies and strengthen connectivity between mainland Malay and neighboring communities, contributing to the municipality’s long-term economic growth and development.