Congressman and Mayor-Elect Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria and Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria have called to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to improve the ticketing services of passenger and cargo ships leaving Dumaguete City for Siquijor and Dapitan.
In a letter to Acting Dumaguete Port Manager Rey del Moro, Jr. and Marina Dumaguete Chief Officer John Lester Pitogo, the two officials have brought to the fore complaints against fixers at the Dumaguete port.
Some angry passengers posted on social media that it is difficult to get a ticket at the Dumaguete port unless you pay a “fixer” to get your ticket. Some netizens said they were able to get a ticket through a “fixer” even though a sign posted by the shipping firm said they were already fully booked.
“This situation is severely impacting tourism as travelers say they are actively avoiding Dumaguete as a gateway, preferring to use alternative ports to destinations like Siquijor. “The resulting negative perception is damaging the reputation of Negros Oriental as a tourist-friendly destination and is causing economic harm to our local businessmen that are dependent on tourism,” Sagarbarria said.
They both called for the two government offices to act on the complaints. Gov. Sagarbarria said he might ask the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to call for a public hearing so this issue can be ventilated, while Cong. Sagarbarria said he may have to elevate this concern to the House of Representatives.
Some Dumaguete residents, meanwhile, said the problem on “fixers” may be solved by adding more ticketing offices. Ryan Uy, a Dumaguete businessman who has had extensive experience in the travel industry, said the shipping companies could sell tickets in hotels and restaurants so the traveling public would not have to line up at the congested ticketing offices.
The Regional Development Council of Region 7 had also passed a Resolution two years ago adopting the recommendation of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry for shipping companies to adopt an online ticketing system. However, not all shipping companies have digital ticketing services until now.
A netizen also suggested to improve the existing ticket offices to make them bigger and install conveniences like a public restroom and adding ceiling fans for better air circulation. (AP)
_______________________
Photo Caption: A surge in travelers taking boats out of Dumaguete has exposed the inability of the shipping firms to provide comfortable and efficient service to the riding public, sparking calls for reforms. (Photo by Melissa
Alexandra Pal)
