ILOILO City – “Unproductive” was how Guimaras governor JC Rahman Nava described the directive of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region 6 banning all types of bicycles onboard Iloilo-Guimaras ferries.
The directive, which took effect on Sept. 22 following the Notice to the Public issued by Jordan Motor Banca Cooperative (JMBC), drew adverse reactions from the public, especially the bikers.
The regional office, which is currently headed by Jeffrey A. Bangsa, has to explain, said Nava. Among others, the governor emphasized that he has no idea what are the basis of MARINA for issuing such directive.
“Naga-recover ta sang ekonomiya naton dala sang pandemya. Naga-amat-amat kita bukas sang probinsya naton tapos ginapabudlayan ya ang travel. Anay nga nagtawhay na ang travel. Natak-an na ang tao sa tanan nga restrictions tapos pabudlayan ya pa ang travel naton so daw indi ko ka hangop,” Nava said over DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
The governor also emphasized that Guimaras’ bike trail is one of the island’s attractions visited by bikers especially during weekends.
In fact, he noted, that from Sept. 29 to 30, 2022 the province will hold the first-ever Dragon Fruit Festival and it will kick off with a bike caravan.
“Karun pabudlayan ya ang mga bikers makadto sa Guimaras, at the same time kon ikaw Guimarasnon nga gadala bike kon makadto ka sa trabaho mo sa Iloilo,” Nava added.
MARINA-6 also got the ire of the governor because of lack of coordination with the provincial government regarding the said issuance.
According to the governor, not even a shadow of notice from MARINA about their directive reached his office.
“Indi maayo ang gina-obra sang MARINA kon sin-o man ang director. Waay na gid natulotan-aw ang sitwasyon sang aton probinsya or rehiyon. For the first time, unprecedented ini nga gulpyada nagpagwa ang MARINA (order) without due consultation, banning bicycles or bikes sa mga ferries,” he further reacted.
The governor called for a meeting with MARINA-6 today, Sept. 26.
He said if the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, he will seek the help of Guimaras congresswoman Ma. Lucille Nava to bring the matter to Congress especially during the budget hearing of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) wherein MARINA is an attached agency.
“Sa Tuesday ang schedule sang DOTr budget deliberation sa House,” said Nava.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas also called out the attention of MARINA-6 for the said move.
“Guimaras is known nationwide for her bike trails. I am calling on MARINA to explain this policy to me next week,” Treñas’ statement issued on Saturday read./PN
