Direct flight to Vladivostok mulled

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is working on addressing the "long and very tiring" trip to sister city Vladivostok that is hindering Russians from coming to Cebu.

Having experienced the challenges during his trip to the city last Sept. 10 to 13, he promised to work on having a direct flight between the cities of Cebu and Vladivostok.

With a better understanding about the predicament, the mayor said he connected right away with Philippine Airlines’ president Stanley Ng to discuss the possibility of a direct flight.

In a press conference yesterday, he said he is also set to meet with the bigwigs of Cebu Pacific Air to discuss the same concern.

And if needed, Rama said, he would likewise bring the matter to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as well as to other concerned national government agencies.

In the same press conference, Honorary Consul to Russia Armi Lopez-Garcia said that with direct flights, an estimated 600,000 Russian tourists could come to Cebu, especially during the winter season in Vladivostok.

She said that in more than a decade, only 50,000 Russians had visited the country for vacation purposes.

Rama said that when he presented to the Russians what Cebu and the rest of the country can offer during his recent visit, many were excited to come and visit.

Aside from tourists, he said, the Russians were also open to a youth exchange program with Cebu.

Atty. Jerone Castillo, the City's finance and budget officer, said during the same press conference, which was also attended by City Administrator Collin Rosell and Protocol Officer Cynbeth Orellano, that the direct flights from Vladivostok would open up to opportunities for the Cebuanos.

Castillo said that aside from business opportunities, the Russians are actually willing to share their technological know-how to the Cebuanos.

For example, he said, the Russians are already in the implementing stage in using artificial intelligence while Cebu and the rest of the country is still in the theoretical stage.

“Layo pa kaayo tas tinuod,” he said.

Meanwhile, the city government is now looking at having Russian language lessons available for the Cebuanos, for better understanding and cooperation between the two cities beyond the usual greetings and courtesies. — (FREEMAN)