The Puerto Galera Yacht Club, a group of boat builders and boaters, noted that coastal areas offered plenty of opportunities for economic activities due to their strategic importance and picturesque setting.

“Marina developments can be high value means of generating employment and creating wealth and revenue for developers, builders, and the local population,” said European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and PGYC member Michael Raeuber during the Sea-Ex Convention held recently at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Not only will they serve as leisure or recreational hot spots but also support the inter-island transportation system in place,” he said.

Raeuber noted some boats could be manufactured for just P30,000 once the infrastructure was in place.

He called on the maritime sector to correct the perception that there was less if no demand at all for boats due to its exclusive focus toward rich clients.

“This perception helps prevent the sector from taking off and making the Philippines a leader in marina development,” said Raeuber.

“The PGYC of which I am also a member has been successful in reaching out and bridging yacht owners with the owners of the Mindoro island, its local population, through a ‘small boats program’ in one of the most beautiful coves of the world,” he said.

The industry stressed the need for government to support Philippine marine tourism and boat industries to achieve the sector’s goals.

“To succeed, we need to collaborate to create the right administrative environment for investments and development of the industry,” Raeuber said. 

Source: Manila Standard Today