The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) transportation ministry has approved the Roll On/Roll Off (RoRo) operation of the MV Island Paradise vessel, owned by Saiddi Agri-Farm and Trading, Inc. (SAFTI).
The certificate of public convenience was granted on April 25, 2023, to start the RoRo operation between the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan.
According to Minister Paisalin Tago of the BARMM Ministry of Transportation and Communication, the RoRo vessel will serve the Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, and Lamitan City Port in Basilan. The Polloc Port-Lamitan route will operate daily.
The opening of the RoRo operation between the Polloc and Lamitan ports was approved during a board meeting of the Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (BMARINA) over the weekend.
Lawyer Abubakar A. Katambak, BMARINA office-in-charge, said that the operation would spur economic activities in the region.
Before MV Island Paradise sets sail, it will undergo inspections by the BMARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to ensure its seaworthiness and compliance with all necessary documents.
Moreover, the RoRo operation is expected to increase economic activities between Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan which will be beneficial to both of its residents.
This kind of cooperation between provinces is a significant step towards the growth and development of the regions across the country as it will improve transportation structure and can potentially create entrepreneurial opportunities among its residents.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | April 17, 2023