A group of private boaters are currently in talks with the government to help push for an executive decision that will help build the foundation of creating an organized local boating industry.
Headed by Angelo Olondriz, President of Headsail, Inc., the private group says that a decision from the palace recognizing the potential of the industry can very well boost its growth.
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| Angelo Olondriz, President of Headsail, Inc. and Apa Ongpin, Associate of Headsail, Inc. |
“As a country with one of the longest coastlines in the world, the Philippines has an inherent potential to be a world leader in leisure boating,” shares Olondriz.
“But what we hope the government can see is that it goes beyond that. We need to increase boat registrations. And for boat owners to want to register, we need the help of the government. Now more than ever, we must maximize not just our seas, but our rivers, lakes and other bodies of water as well. Boats can help move things forward for the Philippines in more ways than you can imagine.”
He adds, “Imagine traveling from Manila to Makati in about 10 minutes. That’s possible with the Pasig River. Transportation of goods and people will become so much easier and more cost efficient. We can finally provide access to and drive the local economies of tourist destinations that, without boats, will be very hard to reach.”
The National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWCS) has declared its support for this campaign and is assisting the group in securing the executive order.
With over 7,107 islands, 36,289 kilometers of coastline—the third longest in the world—and rich marine life, the Philippines has the natural resources needed to support developments that, if done properly, can create a wide variety of economic activities, including: tourism and recreation like boating and water sports, sustainable employment, port facilities, ecosystem services like flood control and energy generation, mobility and regenerating urban areas, among others.
“All our neighboring countries are doing it—Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong. They’re all utilizing their waters to help fuel the economy. And they are being assisted by their respective governments. That’s why they are able to thrive. We know that should the current administration decide to support this cause, we can do so much to help Filipinos.”
Seasoned boater and Associate of Headsail, Inc., Apa Ongpin adds.
“Thailand is very similar to us. We have a much bigger industry than they did back in 1998 when they had less than 20 boats because the regulations were somewhat restricted, especially with taxes at 200%. Then foreign operators came in and told the government they needed boats to transport people back and forth. The government was convinced and they eased up on the regulations. Today, they have about 3,000 boats in Thailand and it’s become a huge industry that employs tens of thousands of people and generates four or five million Bahts in gross revenues.”
“Thailand is very similar to us. We have a much bigger industry than they did back in 1998 when they had less than 20 boats because the regulations were somewhat restricted, especially with taxes at 200%. Then foreign operators came in and told the government they needed boats to transport people back and forth. The government was convinced and they eased up on the regulations. Today, they have about 3,000 boats in Thailand and it’s become a huge industry that employs tens of thousands of people and generates four or five million Bahts in gross revenues.”
In 2009, a select number of players in the boating industry, headed by Olondriz, started the campaign to turn the Philippines into Asia’s Mediterranean—a country whose coastlines host businesses that not only support employment for locals but also provide significant economic contribution as well. Last year, the government, headed by MARINA, the National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWS), the Maritime Development and Ocean Affairs Unit, and the Tourism and Promotion’s Board (TBP), joins the said campaign and calls for more private firms to join as well.
Much like the said government agencies who’ve decided to throw in their support for the cause, Olondriz also hopes that more companies, especially those in the real estate, hospitality services, and construction field, start shifting their focus on one of our country’s most important resources.
SEA-EX 2018
In line with these efforts, Olondriz once against spearheads the biggest gathering of key notable people and brands involved in the manufacture and distribution of yachts, sail boats, boating accessories, water sports equipment, summer apparel and resort getaways in one roof—Philippine Boatshow & Nautical Lifestyle Expo.
Considered as the biggest marine expo in the country, the 10th SEA-EX Philippine Boat Show & Nautical Lifestyle Expo will be held on October 5, 6 and 7 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Brands participating in the expo include local boat builders like Trevally Boats, Teamnonino, Australasia Marine Alliance Corporation, Advanced Composite Systems - Hammerhead Boats and Alu Porter Group.
Sea-Expo is a three day boat show and nautical lifestyle expo event that truly celebrates the Philippine’s most valuable resource, the ocean. It provides a venue for the local and international marine industry to come together and showcase their products and services to the Philippine market. The show has evolved to encompass the nautical industry from boats, water sports equipment, dive shops, resorts, luxury automobiles, summer apparel and supplemental services, creating a complete lifestyle experience. The addition of the conference allowed key players all over the world to share and exchange ideas with regards to localized case study application to Philippine tourism, coastal development, maritime safety and marine preservation. Sea-Ex believes that the conference is one of our major platforms in changing mindsets to truly embrace opportunities that can be found in the Philippine leisure marine industry.
Also joining the roster of exhibitors are international boat distributors such as Asia Marina, Asia Yachting and Simpson Marine as well as local companies Europa Yacht and Rayomarine distributing international brands such as as Azimut Yachts, Beneteau, Lagoon, Princess, Chaparral Boats, NuMarine, Galeon.
Visit http://seaex.ph/ for more information and updates.
Visit http://seaex.ph/ for more information and updates.
