TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 7
Needed: more
routes to and
from Mindanao
MARINA Administrator
Rey Leonardo Guerrero
Credits: PortCalls
W
ith the rich resources, agribusiness
potentials and excellent prospects for
establishing businesses and services that
it possesses, Mindanao is indeed THE
place for harnessing greater economic
growth. This also creates that perfect
state for the industry to open more sea routes between
key cities in Mindanao with those of Luzon.
In tandem with one of the programs of President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte to help spur economic growth in
Mindanao, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
has announced the opening of more sea routes from
Mindanao to Luzon.
According to MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo
Guerrero, the agency has been holding intense
discussions with shipping firms for the planned opening
of sea routes like Davao-Manila, return, which has
been abolished many years ago. He also added on how
shipping companies have expressed their optimism in
reviving this route. By reopening the said route, this could
give Mindanaoans the choice to travel by sea, which can
prove to be a cost-friendly alternative to having to travel
by air, as well as time-friendly, given the many hours spent
via road and through the Ro-Ro system.
In addition to people, the Davao-Manila link will also be
a boon for cargo shipments.
Stressed Guerrero, during the Maritime Industry
Forum, in celebration of the National Maritime Week and
Maritime and Archipelagic National Awareness Month
(MANA MO), held in Davao City : “In due time, we will be
opening the routes from Mindanao to Luzon, which is one
of the programs of our President.” The MARINA top man
also emphasized the need to improve seaport facilities
such as the Davao Sasa Port, in line with the Build, Build,
Build program of the Duterte administration.
On another angle, Guerrero assured that his agency is
doing its best to assure that safe and secure means of
marine transportation is high on its agenda; this includes
the mandate to implement security policies on board
ships.
For his part, Special Assistant to the President (SAP)
Secretary Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, during a
speech during another Maritime forum held at the
SMX Convention Center in Lanang, recognized how the
opening of more sea routes will further enhance tourism
industry and help increase economic movements,
particularly in Mindanao. In this light, Go equally
discussed the significance of Mindanao as an economic
growth region, thanks to its excellent prospects for
sustainable economic growth.
“I am calling on you to study the possibility of opening
of new sea routes to hasten the delivery and movement of
goods,” Go stressed. “The Duterte administration is ready
to pour in USD180 billion for infrastructure development
for the country to contribute to the Master Plan on ASEAN
Connectivity. Improving sea connectivity would facilitate
the flow of capital, goods, and people in every region in
the country.
“Furthermore, a stronger maritime industry in Mindanao
will not only provide investments from various companies
and corporations but will also give more opportunities for
jobs and education,’ Go graciously summed up.
“I am calling on you to study the possibility
of opening of new sea routes to hasten
the delivery and movement of goods,”
Go stressed. “The Duterte administration
is ready to pour in USD180 billion for
infrastructure development for the country
to contribute to the Master Plan on ASEAN
Connectivity. Improving sea connectivity
would facilitate the flow of capital, goods,
and people in every region in the country.
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