With mounting issues surrounding the boat travel to and from Talim Island, villagers in the Binangonan side of the dagger-shaped island are seeking the immediate intervention of the local government to address various issues surrounding the boat travel to and from the island.
In a petition letter that is being circulated in the island by volunteers and concerned groups and addressed to local and national government officials including Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Senator Raffy Tulfo, Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares; Binangonan Mayor Cesar Ynares, among others, it was stated that the villagers, aside from requesting that the local government of Binangonan would take charge of the operation of the ports, both mainland and the island, they are also calling for the following:
1. That the passengers and their cargoes be loaded on the same boat;
2. That there should be an hourly departure of boat from 1 a.m. up to 9 p.m. from Binangonan to the island and vice versa to accommodate students and workers
3. That the island be considered as Special Area that follows exclusive laws applicable only to the island
The so-called Talim Island Council Assembly (TICA) convened on August 19 in Barangay Kaytome, Talim Island to discuss the issues surrounding the boat and port operations.
The Talim Island Passenger Motorboat Operators and Patrons Association (TIPMOPA), in its letter dated August 14 and addressed to Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Director Marc Anthony Pascua, appealed for the easing of restrictions on the schedule of the boats that are allowed to travel to ease the congestion of passengers in the ports.
The TIPMOPA letter, which was noted by Binangonan Mayor Cesar Ynares, was received by MARINA on August 15.
The Manila Bulletin learned that the TICA petition letter circulating on the island is aimed at gathering signatures and will be presented to the office of Mayor Ynares, President Marcos, and other national and local officials.