LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The M/V Silangan Express launched yesterday its maiden trip from Virac in Catanduanes to Tabaco City in Albay.
The Maritime Authority (Marina) in Bicol approved the ferry’s franchise to lessen travel time and encourage tourists to visit the island.
Carlito Tariman, owner of MV Silangan Express, said the Australian-made vessel was bought in South Korea.
The ferry is fully air-conditioned and has a maximum passenger capacity of 400. It will cut travel time to two from the usual four hours on a roll-on-roll-off vessel.
Marina legal officer Mary Orense said commuters from Catanduanes need not stay overnight in Tabaco City when their transactions are completed.
“The Silangan Express is a value-added tourism element that will assure visitors of a fast service,” said Bicol tourism director Maria Nini Ravanilla said.
The ferry leaves Virac at 9:30 a.m. and arrives at Tabaco City at 11:30 a.m. It leaves Tabaco port at 12:30 and arrives at the San Andres port at 2 p.m., then back to Tabaco at 4 p.m.
Fare from Virac to Tabaco City is P450 while San Andres to Tabaco City is P395.
Students’ fare is P282 and children P176.