Caticlan seeks halt to LGU control over tourism spot

ISLAND FUN Tourists enjoy cliff diving and swimming in the clear waters of Aron Magic Island, a popular Nabas, Aklan, island-hopping destination in Boracay tours amid an ongoing dispute afterCaticlan village officials questioned the municipality of Nabas’ authority to manage the site. —PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AKLAN

ILOILO CITY—The village council of Caticlan, the gateway barangay to world-famous Boracay Island, has formally opposed the continued management and collection of tourism fees at Aron Magic Island, a popular cliff-diving destination frequented by local and international tourists, in a move that could have implications for tour operators and the island-hopping industry in Aklan.

During its regular session on Wednesday, the Caticlan village council approved two resolutions questioning the authority of the local government unit (LGU) of Nabas to manage Aron Magic Island and impose entrance fees and other charges on visitors.

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Copies of the resolutions, which later circulated online, showed the barangay council requesting national government agencies to review the legal basis of Nabas’ administration of the tourism site.

The resolutions were transmitted to the municipal council of Nabas through a letter on Wednesday.

Among the agencies asked to examine the matter are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other concerned government offices.

Signature excursion

The dispute centers on Aron Magic Island, a small rocky islet off the coast of Nabas that has become one of the most recognizable attractions included in Boracay island-hopping

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packages.

Known for its elevated cliff-diving platforms, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views of the Sibuyan Sea, the attraction has become a favorite among adventure-seeking tourists from around the world visiting Boracay, which remains one of Southeast Asia’s most internationally recognized beach destinations.

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Travel platforms, tourism blogs and tour operators regularly market Aron Magic Island as a signature excursion where visitors can engage in cliff jumping, snorkeling, kayaking and other marine activities.

Its growing popularity has made it an important component of the tourism economy in northern Aklan. Many island-hopping tours originating from Boracay include the site as a major stop, generating income for boat operators, tour guides, transport providers and tourism-related businesses in neighboring communities.

According to tourism stakeholders, any uncertainty regarding management authority, fee collection or visitor access could affect tour operations and package pricing, particularly during peak travel periods when Boracay receives large numbers of domestic and foreign visitors.

The village council argued that questions involving ownership, jurisdiction and revenue collection should be clarified by national agencies to prevent future disputes and ensure that tourism development is carried out within the bounds of the law.

As of Friday, the municipality of Nabas and the agencies identified in the resolutions had not publicly commented on the village council’s request.

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The issue is expected to be closely watched by tourism stakeholders across Western Visayas because Aron Magic Island has evolved from a local attraction into one of the most internationally promoted adventure destinations associated with the Boracay tourism circuit.