THIS WRITER was recently invited around the IBPark (Iloilo Business Park) to have tea or coffee with some prominent Ilonggos.
There was a pleasant discussion about the transport scene and Iloilo City gearing to be an international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) destination.
Recently Sen. Franklin Drilon and Department of Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat joined Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Trenas to launch the Iloilo MICE campaign.
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“With Iloilo City being plastered in the tourism map of Asian countries, surely the expectations of travelers and tourists are high,” said a hotel manager.
“We are grateful that the local government, national agencies and local stakeholder are bonding together to make Iloilo City a worthy destination,” the manager added.
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“Yes, there are a lot of upscale hotels and more are coming. We are ready for battle with other countries and cities,” quipped an architect.
“We have internationally designed buildings and landscapes. We will not be ashamed of showcasing them to the international market,” he added.
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“But I am worried and even embarrassed that public utility vehicles in Iloilo City are not meeting the standards of the tourism challenge,” said a doctor.
Taxicabs are dilapidated. Even if operators will invest in new cars, the look is still that of a taxi, he intoned.
“If only we have TNVS (Transportation Network Vehicle Services) vehicles in Iloilo, I will not anymore drive my car to my hospital clinic. Looking for a parking space can be a headache. I waste around 20 minutes,” said the doctor.
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“Oh you mean those private cars similar to other cities where you just have to use your cellphone to contact them, and you will even know the color and make of the car and the name and cellphone number of the driver? Yes, they are very safe. In taxicabs, some drivers even smell,” said the hotel manager. In TNVS, the owners are themselves driving their cars. The vehicles are very clean, decent and very presentable. We know this is legitimate because transport agencies need to register them,” added the engineer.
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“Perhaps, the mayor and councilors should endorse this TNVS transport scheme. It is safer and more decent than taxicabs,” the engineer stressed. “There is a company operating in Metro Manila where you just call and you can grab a vehicle right away, looking even as if it is your own,” said the hotel executive.
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This column greets Cleofe Albiso, Natalie Lim, Joseph del Rosario, Mae Panes, Lorna Longno, Bombette Marin, Joemari Moriente, Judgee Peña, Gus Banusing, Dong Sarabia, Injap Sia, and Miñing Maravilla./PN
