TAGAY!
From Inquiry to Action: Making Boracay’s Passenger Journey Safer and More Accessible
By Cris Cahilig
For years, improving our ports and boats has seemed like a difficult challenge. Several stakeholder organizations had raised concerns, yet little seemed to move forward.
Then one day, I saw a social media post praising government personnel for manually carrying a plastic chair with a person with disability (PWD) seated on it to help him board a boat. Around the same time, I received several videos showing PWDs painfully struggling to board these vessels.
Starting Somewhere
I sent a letter of inquiry to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region VI regarding the inspection, approval and standards governing the boarding and disembarkation facilities of fast crafts operating between Caticlan and Boracay. The inquiry asked MARINA to clarify how it evaluates passenger accessibility and safety, including the dimensions and features of gangways and boarding facilities, and whether practical boarding assessments are conducted for PWDs, senior citizens, pregnant women, passengers with mobility limitations and those carrying luggage.
While waiting for MARINA’s formal written response, Samuel Rey Macariza Jr., Shipping Operations Specialist II of MARINA Region VI, has been communicating with me and providing updates.
According to Mr. Macariza, MARINA conducted surprise inspections of fast crafts operating on the route, resulting in the suspension of several non-compliant units. MARINA also held meetings with the Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) regarding the concerns raised. He shared that around five fast crafts have now been equipped with wider, wheelchair-friendly gangways, with the intention of eventually imposing this as a standard.
He has also been coordinating with the Philippine Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay while meeting with port administrations regarding passenger safety and standards. Mr. Macariza has also suggested that CBTMPC hold quarterly meetings with community stakeholders.
Positive Response
On September 4, 2026, MARINA Region VI sent its official written response, confirming that passenger accessibility is evaluated during vessel inspections under MC MS-2018-18, MC 65/65-A, and applicable inspection checklists, including minimum standards for boarding facilities. MARINA has also drafted Embarkation and Disembarkation Plans, awaiting Philippine Coast Guard approval, to further enhance passenger safety and orderly movement. These developments indicate that the issue is moving in a positive direction.
As observed, several fast crafts have upgraded their gangways and layouts, with more vessels scheduled for similar improvements during dry-docking, as assured by Mr. Macariza. These are steps toward safer and more accessible boarding, particularly for PWDs, senior citizens, passengers with mobility limitations and those carrying luggage.
Meanwhile, I am working with SB Member Grengo Gelito, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Welfare, Gender Equality, Senior Citizens, PWDs, Women and Family, on a proposed municipal ordinance: Establishing Minimum Standards for Passenger Journey Accessibility, Safety, and Service Quality for Passengers Travelling to and From Boracay Island.
I am likewise sending inquiries to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Provincial Government of Aklan, Municipality of Malay, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and Philippine Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
One Continuous Journey
The goal is to move toward a consistent system of safe, accessible and dignified passenger transportation that will complement the positive upgrades of boat gangways of fast crafts initiated by CBTMPC.
If we can make that journey safe, accessible, efficient and dignified, we can significantly improve the Boracay experience.
A genuinely accessible Boracay requires cooperation among MARINA, port administrators, PPA, local government, vessel operators, transport cooperatives, PWD offices and other stakeholders. With the right standards, infrastructure improvements and coordination, the ports and boats can provide a smoother and more inclusive transfer experience for everyone.
A world-class tourism destination should offer more than beautiful beaches. It should provide a safe, accessible, efficient and dignified journey to and from the island, especially for people with mobility challenges. Perhaps we don't always need to build something new to make Boracay better. Sometimes, we simply need to make what we already have work better.
I hope this encourages more people to speak up, not only when something goes wrong, but whenever we see an opportunity to improve the systems we already have.
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