Bataan mulls ferry service reopening

BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines – Businessmen, students, tourists and residents were elated over the planned reopening of the ferry service in Orion town in this province by the end of February.

The provincial government led by Gov. Albert Raymond Garcia met with the proponents of the ferry service on Friday to discuss the plan.

Garcia believes the reopening will reawaken the interest of Metro Manila residents, foreign and local investors as well as educational and tourism groups to visit the province.

He said the newly rehabilitated Port of Orion is ready for the ferry operation, which will provide a faster, comfortable and cheaper service.

The port of Orion, located 30 nautical miles from Manila, became a major transport terminal after Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

Pampanga and Zambales residents passed through Orion to take ferries to Manila.