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The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, through its Committee on Transportation, has agreed to assist the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in establishing a satellite office in the municipality of El Nido.
Board Member Nieves Rosento said an agreement was reached between the Committee on Transportation and representatives from MARINA regarding the establishment of a satellite office in El Nido during the committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 21.
She stated that MARINA requested assistance to expedite the establishment of the satellite office, which will cater to the needs of boat operators and owners in the northern tourist town of the province.
On January 14, Rosento filed resolutions requesting MARINA to establish a satellite office and a mobile licensing and registration unit in the Municipality of El Nido. This initiative aims to assist tourist boat owners and operators in completing their requirements in preparation for the peak tourist season.
Rosento highlighted that every year, boat owners face significant challenges in securing the necessary documents to operate and serve tourists.
“Meron silang kahilingan na matulungan ng provincial government at ng LGU (Local Government Unit) of El Nido regarding sa office na ilalagay and additional support para sa manpower and equipments so para mas lalong mapabilis yung pag-establish ng satellite office,” Rosento said in an interview with Palawan News.
“So they will just wait for the resolution on the establishment of [the] satellite office for approval pero this time, kung mai-provide na yung mga empleyado for training,” she added.
Regarding the mobile registration, however, Rosento said it has yet to be tackled, as they are prioritizing the satellite office, which she believes is more critical at this point.
Instead, MARINA will set specific dates for boat owners and operators to process their documents in advance.
“Like for example, let’s say starting February, yung (mag-e-expire) on March, April, and May, pwede nang i-cover. Kahit hindi pa nag-expire, pwede nang i-process (ang renewal). So sa June naman, pwede nang i-process yung May, June, July, and August,” she explained.
“So pwedeng kahit hindi pa nag-expire, pwede na mag-apply, pwede na i-advance yung application kasi dati hindi pwede yung ganun. Parang magiging quarterly na para mas mapabilis yung proseso,” she added, noting that there were changes in the requirements. Previously, only five documents were needed, but this has increased to nine. She, however, did not enumerate the requirements for the renewal of permits.
Moreover, she said MARINA representatives also requested the provincial government to provide an office building, as the agency is still renting a space.
“So ipaparating din natin kay governor yun through a resolution,” she said.