In partnership with the Provincial Government of Aklan and the Municipal Government of Malay and supported by the Department of Tourism, Topline Hi Tech and Synergy Corp. (“Topline Hi Tech” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Topline Equity Corp. (“Topline Group”), has inaugurated the Unified Automated Ticketing System (UATS) at Boracay’s entry and exit ports on August 5.
Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Aklan, Municipal Government of Malay, and Topline Hi Tech led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing of LezzGo Boracay, marking the official launch of Boracay’s smart port ticketing system. Left to right: Phoebe Zelie Areño, Tourism Region VI Assistant Regional Director; Atty. Constance Marie Lim, First Vice President and CFO; Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores; Judilyn Quiachon, Tourism Assistant Secretary for Regional Coordination and Convergence; Eugene Erik Lim, President and CEO; and Brigitte Carmel Lim, Senior Vice President.
Branded as “LezzGo Boracay,” the Company has invested PHP 150 million in the UATS’ development after it was awarded a management contract for the first fully automated online and on-site, end-to-end ticketing and fee collection system built specifically for Boracay’s transport gateways, upgrading its main ports into smart ports.
“We have always believed that true progress is shared progress. LezzGo Boracay is a proof of how public and private sector collaboration can realize a shared vision of enhanced tourist convenience by embracing innovation in port management. This milestone reflects Aklan’s commitment to the national government’s digitalization thrust and to good governance,” said Aklan Governor Jose Enrique “Joen” Martin Miraflores.
“We began our port automation journey with Pier 88, the first smart port in Central Visayas. With LezzGo, and through the discussions facilitated by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, we are bringing improved efficiency and convenience to Boracay by transforming its main ports into smart ports. Beyond innovation, we are also directing a portion of our collected convenience fees to support Boracay’s civil society groups in coordination with the Provincial Government. This is our way of supporting sustainable tourism by empowering communities hand-in-hand with improved tourist experience,” said Eugene Erik Lim, President and CEO of Topline Hi Tech.
Validation machines
Developed in close consultation with local government and tourism stakeholders, LezzGo integrates the terminal fee, environmental fee, boat fare, and passenger manifest in a single QR-coded digital transaction. The system significantly reduces processing time from the previous 30 to 40 minutes to just around 10 to 15 minutes, enabling orderly and seamless travel to Boracay. With the integration of digital passenger manifests, LezzGo promotes advanced safety monitoring and traceable boarding records.
Topline Hi Tech’s LezzGo fully automates the ticketing and fee collection at the main ports of Caticlan and Cagban, while it operates partially in Tabon and Tambisaan, which serve as alternate ports depending on weather conditions.
The project is exclusively focused on ticket automation and fee collection, with the operational management of terminals remaining under the respective local government units.
The Company expects the platform to process over 10,000 passengers daily at the main ports, up from the current 5,000 to 6,000 passengers under manual operations, increasing the ports’ capacity to accommodate more tourists.
The LezzGo platform initially operates as a web-based registration system where tourists can input trip details, pay required fees, and generate a QR code for ticket issuance. Tourists can also book in advance through the LezzGo website (www.lezzgo.ph), while on-site ticketing counters remain available for those preferring in-person transactions or requiring assistance. Tourists have the option to pay in cash, credit or debit cards, and through e-wallets.
LezzGo’s web system runs on any smart devices (computer, laptop, tablet and smart phone). A dedicated LezzGo mobile application is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026. Further enhancing the accessibility of tourists to LezzGo, the Company has also earmarked PHP 50 million for the deployment of automated ticketing kiosks, which are expected to be operational within the same period.
“What makes this project even more valuable is how it strengthens the entire Topline ecosystem. Our experience here enables knowledge transfer that enhances the backend systems of our other business units, including Light Fuels, a subsidiary of our listed arm, Top Line Business Development Corp., which like LezzGo serves consumers directly. This is a step forward on how we continue to integrate technology across our group’s operations,” Mr. Lim added.
A PHP 35 per way convenience fee will apply starting September 1, 2025 to support system maintenance and data protection measures. A total of 2% collected from the convenience fees will be remitted to the local government units operating the port as part of their revenues.
Photo: Unsplash
An additional PHP 15 booking fee applies to online payments, which is remitted to the Company’s contracted payment facilitator to ensure secure digital transactions. This booking fee, however, does not apply to payments made on-site at the jetty ports. To encourage early adoption of the LezzGo platform, the Company will absorb the online booking fee until January 1, 2026.
“More than an operational upgrade, it is a catalyst for responsible and inclusive tourism growth in Boracay. We are honored to work alongside the Department of Tourism, the Provincial Government of Aklan, and the Municipal Government of Malay in building smarter gateways for the Philippines’ leading island destination,” Mr. Lim added.
Manual ticketing operations will remain available but will be gradually scaled down.
