MARINA opens 8 new RoRo missionary routes

CEBU, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation, will open eight RoRo missionary routes the different shipping operators had proposed in support of the Road Roll-on/Roll-off Terminal System (RRTS).

The new routes are also a priority program in the upgrading of the domestic shipping in support of the nautical highway development under the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP), said DOTr in a statement.

At the latest Oversight Meeting of the House Committee on Transportation chaired by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, MARINA OIC Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. presented the eight industry-proposed RoRo missionary routes, in addition to the 19 newly-opened RoRo missionary routes in January 2019.

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had commended the MARINA for its effort to promote greater connectivity and economic interactions of the various islands of the archipelago.

The eight industry-proposed RoRo missionary routes include the Daanbantayan, Cebu to Calbayog City, Samar; Tabuelan, Cebu to Ajuy, Iloilo; Laoay, Bohol to Cagayan de Oro; San Juan, Batangas to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Iloilo City to Cuyo, Palawan; San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate to Pasacao, Camarines Sur; San Andres, Quezon to Pasacao, Camarines Sur; and Lucena, Quezon to San Fernando, Masbate

The DOTr added that MARINA will issue a letter approval that will give a proponent shipping operator four months to start vessel operation on its proposed route, while processing the acquisition of its Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs).

It added that upon granting of the CPC, the proponent shipping operator shall enjoy a five-year route protection or protection of investment, as well as 50 percent discount on the processing on the regular fees of all applications and renewal of ship documents, licenses, certificates, and permits.

Shipping companies are further encouraged to propose new missionary routes in addition to the existing list that can be developed.

Meanwhile, Arroyo is expected to be in Bethlemen de Paradise Resort in Tabuelan, Cebu on April 2, 2019 to conduct an Oversight Hearing on the RoRo Transport system. — GAN (FREEMAN)