MAYOR Samuel Co led last Friday’s inaugural ship call for the renewed domestic sea travel between Pagadian and Cotabato cities.
In a meeting with journalists, Co announced M/L Putri-I’s maiden voyage on Oct. 6 with a one-way fare rate of only P250, leaving Pagadian for Cotabato every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:00 in the morning and vice versa every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The M/L Putri-I weighes a gross tonnage of 228.76, is manned by a crew of 12 and powered by two Cummins/Isuzu V12 engines with 350 horse power.
Co said the motor lanch serving anew the Pagadian-Cotabato route will strengthen the already thriving trade ties of the two cities as well as boost sea travel because of convenience and result in good port traffic performance.
The mayor added that M/L Putri’s presence likewise will be an alternative choice for travelers who want to take a trip to General Santos and Davao cities aside from travelling by bus or commuter vans.
Co hopes convenienced passengers will help spread the news of M/L Putri’s service to the public.
It was learned that the city seaport closed down sometime in 2002 due to the dwindling influx of passengers blamed on the enhanced sales promotion of buses and vans as well as the improved road network in the region.
The three competing ship owners also decided to close shop after passengers preferred to travel by land because of high arrastre fees and the unwillingness of porters to bring down their labor rates.
These sea vessels used to ferry city passengers to Zamboanga City up to Sandakan, Malaysia and the interisland routes of Jolo, Siasi, Bongao and Sitangkai.
In the coming months, Co disclosed that the city government will run its own sea cargo handling business using rented cargo ships or freighters that will carry goods and materials from Pagadian to any port in the country.
With this, Co said the rented freighters will be able to handle the bulk of the merchandise deliveries to and from Manila as well as address other logistical problems of the city.
REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA, WITH REPORTS FROM JONG CADION