The Department of Tourism (DOT-6) is planning to paint murals on pumpboats servicing passengers to and from Guimaras.
DOT-6 Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said the murals of tourist spots in the island province would make the boats “instagrammable.”
The proposed “makeover” of pumpboats is part of the DOT-6’s “#LoveGuimaras” campaign, which was conceptualized through a series of meetings among concerned agencies, tourism stakeholders, and media partners.
The DOT-6 will also distribute colorful umbrellas to pumpboat operators during the soft launching of its campaign at the Parola wharf in Iloilo City and at Buenavista, and Jordan wharves in Guimaras on October 31.
Catalbas said the umbrellas are intended for passengers who are waiting for their boat trips.
“We will use various colors, very alive to radiate ambiance of fun,” she said.
The number of tourists visiting Guimaras went down after the August 3 sea tragedy that claimed the lives of 31 passengers.
The Provincial Tourism Office recorded 11, 432 tourists from August 4 to 31 this year. The figure was way lower compared to 43, 709 in the same month a year ago.
“We want to change the gloomy and sad atmosphere to something very vibrant, very alive and fun experience crossing between Guimaras and Iloilo City and Iloilo City to Guimaras,” Catalbas said.
Last week, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) allowed pumpboats to use canvas awnings (trapal) again.
But pumpboat operators are required to comply with specifications prescribed by the country’s maritime regulator.
The cover should be 1.8 meter in height; the length and width of the boat should be 50 percent and 80 percent, respectively; and the angle of deflection must not be more than 15 degrees from the horizontal line.IMT
PHOTO CREDITS: Shubert Ciencia
