BOC prepares for MV Duolos arrival

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Cebu district is now preparing for the arrival of the much-awaited floating library–the MV Doulos Hope, scheduled to dock at Pier 5 in Cebu City from October 14 to November 12, 2024.

BOC Cebu district collector Romeo Allan Rosales recently welcomed Atty. Florimae Velasco of the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) and Herbert Lenhert Plantores of Gute Bücher für Alle (GBA) Ships in a courtesy visit.

Rosales, together with Deputy Collector for Operations Collector Elizabeth De Las Llagas, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) District Commander SPCAPT. Abdila Maulana Jr., and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Chief IOIII Carlo Bautista, discussed with Atty. Velasco and Plantores the preparations needed to accommodate the MV Doulos Hope, including the necessary measures to ensure the secure docking of the vessel during its month-long stay.

This unique vessel, a former cruise ship, is much anticipated as it serves as a floating library, offering a wide selection of books and educational materials to the public.

Rosales emphasized the Port's readiness to support the ship's arrival.

“We are excited to welcome the MV Doulos Hope to the Port of Cebu. This initiative not only fosters cultural exchange but also provides our community with unparalleled access to educational resources,” said Rosales in a statement posted in their Facebook page.

Rosales added that BOC-Cebu is committed to facilitating the entry of the MV Doulos Hope and supporting its mission to promote literacy and education among the local community.

Velasco, who is the executive vice president and general manager of OPASCOR, said that the mobilization team of MV Doulous Hope asked help from them to connect to different port authorities like the BOC and the Cebu Port Authority.

MV Doulos Hope last docked in Cebu on May 2015.

Prior to its departure for Cebu City, the floating library will first dock in Palawan on September 25 to October 8, 2024. –ATO CEBU NEWS