TOURISM WEEK HIGHLIGHTS MALAY’S CASHLESS PUSH FOR BORACAY

By Jun N. Aguirre

(From left) Councilors Sheila Sacapaño, Hope Pagsuguiron, Richelda Sinag, Jhonnel Casidsid, GBTA Pres. Michelle Taylan, Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Malaysian Ambassador H.E. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Councilors Vicky Aguirre-Salem and Nathalie Paderes 📸 Malay-Boracay Tourism Office

Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista plans to pursue a cashless payment system in Boracay, as the local government moves toward greater digitalization of tourism services and transactions on the island.

Bautista’s initiative was highlighted as the Local Government Unit of Malay officially opened Tourism Week on September 15 at the Henann Regency Convention in Boracay, carrying the theme, “Empowering Tourism Excellence Through Digital Transformation.”

Bautista told Boracay Sun News that digital platforms could support various transactions, potentially reducing reliance on physical cash while improving convenience and efficiency. The specific coverage, platform and implementation mechanism, he said, would still have to be established by the LGU in coordination with relevant government agencies, financial institutions and tourism stakeholders. 

Already, some companies have introduced cashless payments for tourists using a variety of mobile applications.

The Tourism Week opening brought together tourism officials, government representatives, industry leaders and other stakeholders.

In his welcome message, Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) chairman Dindo Salazar emphasized that technology-driven innovation should remain anchored on human connection. Rodriguez, meanwhile, stressed the importance of digital transformation while keeping people and communities at the center of tourism development.

BSN raised the reported complaints with Malay Councilor Alan Palma, who said he would ask the council to look into the matter and, if confirmed, take appropriate action.

It has been brought to BSN’s attention that tourists have complained about the alleged mandatory use of digital payment at the ports. Compounding the problem is poor Wi-Fi service, which forces travelers to use their own mobile data just to comply with the requirement.

Provincial Board Member Atty. Reynaldo Quimpo clarified in a Facebook comment that terminal fees and boat fares at the Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports may be paid online with a convenience fee or over the counter without one. The environmental fee collected by LGU Malay, however, must be paid online, subject to a convenience fee.