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| The Philippine Nautical Highway; special report | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 28 2009, 02:32 AM (3,107 Views) | |
| pachador | May 28 2009, 02:32 AM Post #1 |
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The increasing dependence of the Philippine Economy on the RO-RO highway means that any destruction of the RO-RO ports or RO-RO vessels will cripple the Philippine economy in the future. The only way to minimize any possible destruction of the Philippine RO-RO highway(such as from war) is a strong Philippine Navy and Coast Guard. These should be impressed on the Philippine civilian government. The RO-RO Connection (The Philippine Nautical Highway) - part 1 July 2008 Can the government’s roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) transport system really answer the efficient movement of agricultural goods all over the Philippine islands? The Philippine archipelago consists of more than 7,100 islands and islets. Endowed with beautiful sceneries and natural resources, the accessibility of the islands as well as mobility within the islands is the primary goal of infrastructure development. Like the various pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that must be locked together, these islands need to be linked efficiently by a seamless transport infrastructure network - providing inter-modal land, air and sea transport systems that form an integrated national highway. As the economy grows to its highest level in recent years, inter-island trade followed the same uptrend. Tourist arrivals breached the 3 million mark. Total inter-island domestic cargo and passenger traffic in 2007 shipped by sea reached 72.8 million metric tons (MT) and 44.5 million, respectively. Increasingly, RO-RO shipping has facilitated much of the traffic. RO-RO ships as “moving bridges” Two islands that are, distance-wise, near each other can be linked together by constructing a bridge. And in order to recover the investment made in the construction and/or maintenance of the bridge, toll gates may be put up at both ends of the bridge whereby “toll” fees may be collected. Under the “toll” system, the bridge is considered an integral part of the road network. The “toll” fee is based on the classification of the vehicle passing through, regardless of whether it is loaded with either cargos or passengers. Assuming that the islands to be connected are farther apart such that it becomes impossible or very costly to construct a bridge similar to the San Juanico bridge, then what can be employed is a RO-RO ship which will serve as a “moving” bridge. Various studies (JICA, USAID, Shipdeco) recommended the extensive use of RO-RO shipping as the most appropriate mode of sea transport for linking the country’s various islands. Considering the archipelagic configuration of the Philippines, any sheltered cove can be considered as a natural RO-RO terminal. Crafting the RO-RO policy During the various conferences held in Mindanao in 2002, one of the persistent issues raised by the shippers was the high cost of transport from Mindanao to Manila. Among others, Roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) shipping was proposed as a solution to the transport problem. RO-RO shipping would answer the clamor of the business community for greater efficiency and lower cost in the inter-island transport of goods. It would be consistent with the President’s lopoint Agenda to promote “decentralization of progress around the nation through the use of transportation networks”. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 170 on January 22, 2003 defining the RC-R0 shipping policy. In a nutshell, the objectives of the RO-RO policy are: • To reduce transport cost from Mindanao to Luzon, through the Visayas, specifically the cost of inter-island transportation through the establishment of a safe, efficient and cost-effective Road Roll-On/Roll-Off Terminal System (RRTS); • To enhance tourism, transportation and commerce throughout the country; •To facilitate the government’s agro-fisheries modernization and food security programs; •To promote private sector participation in the establishment, construction and operation of RRTS facilities; and, •To establish a new policy to promote the development of RRTS. The SRNH is designed to complement the existing PPA port system and to offer the shippers an alternative mode of sea transport. Hence, it was not designed to replace the lift on/lift off (LO-LO) system of port operation, as there are cargos that would still require the traditional LOLO method of handling and transport. For purposes of clarity, EO 17o defines the road-RORO terminal system (or SRNH) as the network of RO-RO ferry terminals linked all over the country by RO-RO ferry ships. Salient features of EO 170 As an integral part of the national highway system, the nautical networks are not burdened by any costs and procedures that are not required in landbased transportation systems. Specifically, EO 17o highlights the following advantages: • No cargo handling charges (since RO-RO shipping deals with rolling cargoes) • No wharfage dues • Freight based on lane meter • Toll fee consisting of freight, berthing, terminal and passenger fees • Simplified documentary requirements • Waiver of port authorities’ share in port revenues (limited to registration/supervision fee) • Privatization of public RO-RO ports • Minimum permit requirements in port construction and operation • Available financing from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Policy enhancements In June 2003, President Arroyo issued EO 170-A lifting the 50- nautical mile initially imposed on all RORO routes. This amendment practically declared any route within the entire country eligible for RORO operations. Another policy refinement was introduced in September 2005 when President Arroyo issued EO 170-B allowing the conversion of private non-commercial ports into commercial ports under the RRTS. This was designed to fast-track the expansion of the RRTS through the inclusion of the private ports into the system. For its part, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) issued several Memorandum Circulars (MCs) promoting the RORO service. The first circular was issued in November 2003 (PPA MC 17-2003) prescribing the applicable RORO tariff rates (terminal fees) for the initial ports/routcs covered by the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), namely: Manila - Batangas - Mindoro (Calapan - Roxas) - Panay (Caticlan - Iloilo) - Guimaras (Jordan - San Lorenzo) - Negros (Pulupandan - Dumaguete) - Mindanao (Dapitan). A year later, the PPA issued three circulars expanding the application of RORO Terminal Fees to include other PPA ports where RORO operations are carried out (PPA MC 23-2004) and new routes designated part of the SRNH - i.e., Batangas - Mindoro (Puerto Galera); Mindoro (Calapan - Puerto Galera); Mindoro (Roxas) - Romblon; Mindoro (Pola) - Marinduque (Balanacan); Mindoro (Apo Reef, San Jose) - Palawan (Puerto Princesa) (PPA MC 29-2004). The use of color-cbded cash tickets to simplify the processing of Terminal Fee payments was also set forth (PPA MC 25-2004). To encourage greater private sector participation in the RRTS, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza directed the port authorities to take concrete steps to progressively privatize public-owned RO-RO ports. In December 2004, the PPA issued Administrative Order (AO) 03-2004 defining the guidelines on the development, construction, management and operation of RORO terminals under the RRTS. In December 2007, the PPA announced that the port authority is “putting on the auction block all ports under the SRNH, including Caticlan, to make them more efficient.” Upon the recommendation of the NEDA Board - Regional Development Committee, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno issued Memorandum Circular No. 2006-70 in June 2006. The MC directed local government executives to refrain from enforcing any existing ordinance authorizing the levy of fees and taxes on inter-province transport of goods, regulatory fees from passengers in local ports and other additional taxes or charges in any form upon transporting goods and passengers. He likewise ordered the immediate repeal of ordinances imposing such illegal fees and taxes. With the main RO-RO policy in place, the remaining work focuses on policy enhancements as well as further expansion of the SRNH network. The DOTC Inter-Agency RO-RO Committee approved, for endorsement to President Arroyo, the issuance of an Executive order that designates all roads that form part of the SRNH as “national roads”. This intervention is designed to improve the development and maintenance of roads forming the national highway, eradicate illegal imposition of toll fees, as well as increase the participation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the strategic development of road networks that will further expand the SRNH system. Another policy recommendation is the inclusion of the chassis-RORO (RORO) operation as part of the RO-RO service. This intervention is designed to reduce the domestic trans-shipment of export and import cargoes. It will also dovetail existing measures - such as discounted wharfage and scanning fees - that cushion the impact of peso appreciation on exports as well as enhance the country’s competitiveness. The DOTC and PPA are fast-tracking the development, rehabilitation and upgrading of RO-RO ports/terminals especially those that will complete the Central Nautical Highway and those that are part of the SONA (State of the Nation Address) commitments. DOTC is also coordinating with DPWH on the provision of roads that would provide inter-modal connectivity. Finally, DOTC and PPA are likewise working together in formulating the terms of reference that will govern the effective and immediate privatization of public RO-RO ports and terminals. Investing in the SRNH There are basically three (3) types of potential SRNH investors: • Private. The private investor (all persons, partnerships, corporations, firms and entities) invests in both the construction of the RO-RO terminal/s and acquisition of RO-RO vessels. The private investor may infuse his own funds into a project or may avail of an SLDP loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). • Public. LGUs may invest, particularly, in the construction and operation of RO-RO Terminals. The LGU may utilize its internal revenue allotment (IRA) for the construction of the RO-RO terminal or may also elect to avail of a long-term loan from the DBP or any of its participating financial institutions (PFIs). Private sector-LGU partnership. The LGU, in partnership with the private sector, may invest in the construction and operation of a RO-RO terminal by way of a joint-venture or BOT arrangement. In general, the roles of the LGU are: (a) To ensure that there are policies to promote and support the RRTSSRNH at the municipal level; (b) To participate, either directly or indirectly in the RRTS (e.g., terminal construction and operation); © To provide infrastructure support like access roads, and (d) To maintain peace and order. For joint-venture - The LGU may provide any or all of the following: land as site for the RO-RO terminal, “goodwill”, and/ or access road -The private partner, on the other hand, may: (a) finance (using own private or borrowed funds), (b) undertake the construction, and/or © operate the RO-RO terminal. Under BOT scheme (for RO-RO terminal construction) -The LGU may provide land as site for the RO-RO terminal. -The private proponent will finance (using own private or borrowed funds) the construction of the RO-RO terminal. The private proponent will be allowed to operate the RO-RO terminal until such time that the proponent has recovered his investment. Interested investors, whether private or LGUs, can choose from any of the following SRNH investment modalities: • Integrated Investment in RO-RO Link(s). This includes the construction, development and operation of the Terminals (origin and destination) as well as the acquisition and operation of the RO-RO ship. • Investment in RO-RO Terminal(s). This includes the construction, development and operation of RO-RO Terminal(s). • Investment in RO-RO Ship(s). This includes the acquisition and operation of RO-RO vessel(s) to service the RRTS routes. The Strong Republic Nautical Highwayand its impact on economic growth and development in the countryside Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) consists of two main trunk lines - the western and eastern nautical highways. To be inaugurated end of April (2008) is the last major line - the central nautical highway. There are also lateral RO-RO links that provide east-west connections. Today, there are 96 existing RO-RO routes being served by 153 RO-RO shipping companies operating more than 250 RO-RO ships. Some routes with substantial traffic are served by two or more RO-RO operators. Examples of these routes are Batangas-Calapan, Roxas-Caticlan, Dumangas-Bacolod, Dumaguete-Dapitan, Matnog-Allen, Liloan-Lipata and Cebu-Cagayan de Oro. The number is expected to further increase with the expected completion of the SONA ports in 2008. Majority of the RO-RO ports and terminals that comprise the SRNH are public ports - developed and owned by port authorities like the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) and Regional Ports Management Authority (RPMA). In recent years, private sector and local government (LGU) participation in the SRNH are growing. In terms of financing, the DBP has available credit facilities to fund port development and acquisition of RO-RO ships. This is in keeping with DBP’s commitment of improving transport logistics in the country. In 2006, DBP reduced its lending rate and liberalized the loan collateral requirements by removing REM (real estate mortgage). This means that the RO-RO ship alone serves as collateral (chattel) provided that it is brand new or classed. A recent development is the DBP’s acquisition of the NDC Maritime Leasing Corporation (NMLC). NMLC is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) and a subsidiary of the National Development Company (NDC). It is mandated to engage, transact or deal in the finance leasing business for all kinds of maritime ships, and equipment, machinery and facilities ancillary to maritime business in all its aspects such as (but not limited to) sale-leaseback arrangements, hire purchase agreements and other financing schemes. This is a positive development for the market as two financing options are made available - loan and leasing. The impact of SRNH on the economy varies. It ranges from area development to the promotion of regional trade and agro-tourism. Area development Infrastructure development serves as a catalyst for the growth and development of an area. In the whole context of SRNH, the development that the municipality of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro experienced stands out. Previously a laid-back town, the Municipality of Roxas received the needed boost of economic energy with the introduction of RO-RO in 2003. The development of a small RO-RO port and its inclusion in the Western Nautical Highway created numerous opportunities for the thriving municipality. The sleepy hollow turned boomtown is fast urbanizing and is a bustling haven of commerce and eco-tourism. A year after the Port of Dangay became operational, business within and outside the port was brisk. Commercial strips are found along Morente Avenue leading to Odiong; Magsaysay Avenue to Leuterio Drive, and to J.P. Rizal; and along Magsaysay Avenue to Dangay junction leading to Dangay Port all the way to Cantil. New commercial establishments mushroomed - appliance stores, retail outlets, drugstores (Mercury Drug), water-filling stations, restaurants and eateries, banks, pawnshops and transport terminals. Three (3) new hotels (LYF, N&N Seaport and RL Hotel) were erected. Due to increased vehicular traffic, the number of gasoline stations increased from 2 to 7. Eateries for the hungry travelers proliferate in the port area. Fast-food chains Jollibee and Chowking are considering of making a debut in Roxas. To date, there is a total of 879 business establishments operating in the municipality, a 15% jump from the previous year’s 753. Since 2003, investments in Roxas have been estimated to exceed Pioo million. These investments generated more than 2,000 jobs and increased business and property tax collections. Restructuring of the inter-island shipping industry The RO-RO policy has introduced changes in shipping operations and port administration. Port charges and documentation requirements were reduced and simplified, commodity classification no longer applies to RO-RO cargoes, freight rates are now based on lane-meter, and cargo handling and wharfage have been eliminated. Finally, private sector participation and investment in the SRNH have been unleashed - both in the operation of RORO, development of RORO terminals, and/or operation of a RORO link. The advent of RORO, which provided an alternative mode of transport to the market, heightened the level of competition within the domestic shipping industry. As a result, existing players restructured their operations to take advantage of the opportunities brought about by this market development. Aboitiz Transport Service (ATS), for instance, launched its zG0 RRTS service. ATS claims that this service is a superior and yet simple, selfdriven service that gives control to the shipper as to the movement of his goods”. RRTS cargoes are given priority in loading - resulting in faster delivery lead time and reduced costs. The new 2G0 RRTS service reduces transport and logistics activities from 9 to only 3 steps - improving delivery lead time from an average of 9 days to 3 days. Freight is also based on lane meter (the actual space occupied by the cargo in the ship). Main drivers of transport cost reduction include efficiencies in the total supply chain cycle (upstream and downstream), less handling of cargoes, reduced product damages (less claims), reduced cost arising from improved inventory management (20% savings), reduced warehousing cost, elimination of auxiliary costs (5% savings). In 2006, major liner shipping companies sold some of their ships to rationalize their operations and improve profitability. ATS partnered with Maersk Line and introduced bigger ships to realize economies of scale. As a result, net income grew by 130%, with income from RO-RO contributing much of the profit. Reduction in transport cost Based on a study done by the Center for Research and Communication (CRC) in 2006, transporting goods via the western nautical highway is cheaper compared to conventional shipping. For example, transporting fresh fish from Capiz, Iloilo and Estancia to Manila is now economical with RO-RO. Fish traders claim they are better off with the multi-trip schedules of RO-RO service compared with the limited daily schedules of big liners. Instead of shipping at the same time, fish traders can now time their shipments property. Raw materials used in the manufacture of semiconductors are now being shipped to Cebu via the western nautical highway and the San CarlosToledo lateral connection. Motorcycles are also efficiently transported from Manila all the way to Dumaguete - the motorcycle capital of the Philippines. Lastly, walk-in passengers still find the RO-RO cheaper than fastcrafts especially if they are not in a hurry to reach their destination. These transport savings from RO-RO emanates from service efficiency as well as the fact that RO-RO service is not saddled by costs embedded in conventional shipping such as cargo handling and wharfage. And since the promulgation of the RO-RO policy in 2003, the annual rate increases in cargo handling rates came to a halt, except the one in zoo6 due to the oil price hike. Overall, the incentive to increase the cargo handling rates disappeared with RO-RO. To increase cargo handling will simply make the traditional shipping more expensive than RO-RO. Agricultural commodities such as fruits (bananas, durian, pomelo, mangoes and lanzones), vegetables (carrots, potatoes and tomatoes) and fresh fish being shipped from Mindanao (coming from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Zamboanga) to Manila via 2G0 RRTS benefit from net savings of 33% compared with the traditional mode of shipment. Compared with other modes of transport (air, traditional shipping), transport of people on the long haul (distance) remains to be competitive via RORO. Change in logistics operations and strategy The reduction in cost coupled with efficiency caused the shift in the way shippers transport their goods throughout the country. For instance, RO-RO enabled Nestle Philippines, a leading food conglomerate, to close down 33 of its 36 distribution centers nationwide. With RO-RO, Nestle is able to make small, frequent and direct deliveries to its clients - thus minimizing the need for inventories. Universal Robina Corporation (URC), another food manufacturing company, has been transporting its products via RO-RO from its plant in Ugong, Pasig to the rest of the country. From one shipment a week (via liner shipping), delivery trucks are now making 12 trips a day through the SRNH. A new business philosophy for bus and trucking operators With the expansion of market coverage, the trucking industry is undergoing major transformation in the manner by which it conducts business. From a highly dependent shipper-client type of operation, the trucking business is expected to evolve into an entrepreneur/ marketing-based type of economic activity where the truckers actively look for the products to move within and among islands. In the case of bus operations, the routes within the western nautical highway were initially divided into 2 sections - the first section covers Manila up to Iloilo while the second section covers Iloilo all the way to Zamboanga. Iloilo and Bacolod serve as the mid point for the entire highway. However, starting May of 2007, Ceres fielded buses that traverse the entire length of the western nautical highway (from Manila all the way to Mindanao). For the eastern nautical highway, trips from Manila usually terminate in Davao. Major bus companies operating in the SRNH include Ceres, Philtranco, Alps, Bachelor, Gassat, Silver and Dimple Star. The opening of SRNH, particularly the western nautical highway, opened up new markets for farmers. In San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, for example, farmers who used to sell their produce (e.g., onions) in Manila reached new markets after the western nautical highway was opened. Fruits from Davao (mangosteen and durian) also found new markets in Iloilo and Bacolod. This development encouraged farmers to increase their production to take advantage of the opportunities for increasing their income. Interviews with trader-shippers indicate that some of the vegetable shipments to Caticlan and Iloilo originate from Baguio. Similarly, shipments to Manila of fishery products from Estancia, dubbed as the “Alaska of the Philippines”, have also increased from once a week (using traditional shipping) to daily shipments via RO-RO. The trade pattern creates a triad of zones/areas for inter-trading along the Western SRNH. jThe Manila - Mindoro - Iloilo zone (MM1) in the northern end of the Western SRNH, Zamboanga - Cebu - Negros zone (ZCN) in the Southern end of Western SRNH and the Iloilo - Negros - Cebu zone (INC) in the Central stretch of the Western SRNH. Enhanced Tourism The potential of tourism in various areas along the western seaboard is legion. RORO infrastructures have largely boosted the growth of tourism in several areas along the route. For example, Dangay Port in Roxas, Misamis Oriental serves as a springboard to the world-renowned Boracay Islands in Aklan. Domestic and foreign tourists coming from Puerto Galera proceed to this popular beach resort via Dangay Port, and vice-versa. Investors may have seen a lot of promise in the sector as evidenced by a coterie of beach resorts that have mushroomed along the coastline of Roxas. In the same way, Caticlan serves as a jump-off point to Panay island, and even farther down to Negros Island passing the Iloilo-Bacolod route with greater accessibility and affordability. The Dumaguete-Dapitan link also gives more opportunity to visit Mindanao’s tourism gems (e.g., Rizal’s Shrine, Gloria de Dapitan and Dakak Resort Hotel in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte). The impact is reflected in the dramatic surge of tourist arrivals in these areas. From 2003 to 2006, tourism receipts in Boracay Island grew by more than 50%, in Iloilo by 30%, in Bacalod by 15%, and in Dapitan by 200%. With the completion of the Central Nautical Highway, the Cebu-Bohol-Camiguin tourism loop will surely provide a dramatic boost in these provinces. Western Nautical Highway 1. Manila 2. Port of Batangas, City of Batangas 3. Port of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro 4. Port of Dangay, Municipality of Roxas 5. Port of Caticlan, Aklan 6. Port of Domangas, Iloilo 7. Bredco Port, Negros Occidental 8. Port of Dumagnete, Negros Oriental 9. Port of Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte The Western Nautical Highway The Western Nautical Highway bridges Luzon and Mindanao through the major islands of Mindoro, Panay, Guimaras and Negros - with the Port of Batangas serving as Luzon’s gateway to Visayas and Mindanao. On March 31 to April 1, 2003, President Arroyo led the first RO-RO caravan from Manila to Dapitan, Zamboanga dcl Norte via the Western Nautical Highway - covering a total of 703 kilometers and 137 nautical miles of land and sea travel and passing through 17 provinces and cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. To date, there are 6 bus lines, 51 buses, 153 RO-RO shipping lines and numerous trucking companies plying the Western Nautical Highway. While most of the RO-RO ports and terminals are public-owned, there is it number Of privately developed and operated RORO ports like Bredco in Bacolod and Barcelona Port in Escalante, Negros Oriental. A new RO-RO port is being developed in Dapitan, adjacent to the PPA port, by a private joint-venture company called DIPCI (Dapitan Integrated Port Complex, Inc.). The RORO port development includes cold chain and grains bulk-handling facilities. Manila to Batangas Port (Land Travel) From Manila to the Port of Batangas, land travel through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Phase 1)2 takes about 2.5 hours for the total stretch of 120 kilometers. The CALABARZON region 3, which includes the Provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, houses 15 industrial estates and science parks and an export processing zone (Cavite EPZ). The region has attracted leading Japanese car assembly companies (Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi), wiring harness factory (Yazaki-Torres), glass plant (San Miguel Yamamura) and aluminum factory (Reynolds Phils.) and a number of major oil refineries and depots (PNOC, Phoenix Petroleum, Pilipinas Shell, Caltex). The region is also home to a number of tourist destinations and heritage sites. Batangas-Calapan RORO link (Sea Travel) The first RO-RO connection links the islands of Luzon and Mindoro through the Batangas-Calapan route. There are four RO-RO shipping companies providing 24-hour service to this route - Montenegro Shipping, Starlite Ferry, Minolo Shipping Lines and Sta. Cruz Shipping Lines. Total passenger traffic in 2006 reached 1.3 million while vehicle traffic (buses, cars, SUVs, delivery trucks) stood at z40,836. The Port of Batangas is situated in the City of Batangas. It now serves as a secondary gateway to Manila with the completion of the Batangas International Port in 2005. The domestic area of the Port of Batangas has 3 piers and 7 RO-RO ramps. It boasts of a secured parking area, passenger terminal building and warehouse facilities. Montenegro, Starlite and Baleno are the RO-RO shipping lines operating in the BatangasCalapan route. Aside from the BatangasCalapan route, the Port of Batangas is also connected to other RO-RO ports in Abra de Ilog, Puerto Galera (Mindoro Occidental) and Odiongan, Romblon. Calapan to Roxas, Mindoro Oriental (Land Travel) The island of Mindoro is home to the provinces of Mindoro Occidental and Mindoro Oriental. One of its premier tourist destinations is Puerto Galera. Local and foreign tourists flock to this beach haven almost all year round. For mountaineers, Mt. Halcon is considered to be one of the most challenging heights to conquer. Mindoro is also home to Apo Reef, the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world. Mindoro depends mainly on agriculture. The island produces rice, banana, coconut and fishery products. With the opening of the Roxas-Caticlan route, markets in the Visayas and Mindanao became accessible. Land travel from Calapan Port to the southern port of Dangay (located in the Municipality of Roxas) takes about 2.5 hours. Total stretch covers 124 kilometers of good road. Roxas-Caticlan RO-RO Route (Sea Travel) The RO-RO Port of Dangay was completed, in 2003. Prior to its completion, Mindoro was virtually detached from the Visayas. Cargo and passenger traffic was practically nil, except for infrequent trips of small wooden batels carrying limited cargoes and passengers. The direction of cargo movement was basically northbound (from Mindoro to Luzon). With the introduction of RO-RO shipping service in 2003, the sleepy town of Roxas was suddenly awakened. The Roxas-Caticlan RO-RO route facilitated southbound movement of people and cargoes. In a short span of 5 years, passenger and cargo traffic grew at phenomenal rates of 438% and 677%, respectively. The number of vehicular traffic also increased from 9,269 to 46,218 for the period 2003-2006. As a result, the number of RO-RO shipping operators increased from 1 in 2003 to 3 in 2006. Likewise, the number of RO-RO ships plying the route increased from 1 to 5 during the same period. Phil Harbor, Starlite and Montenegro Shipping operate in the Roxas-Caticlan route. A new route, Roxas-Odiongan (Romblon), was also opened a couple of years ago. About 171 new business establishments opened up during the same period, confirming the theory that infrastructure development (like port development), no matter how small, serves as a catalyst of economic growth and area development. Similar to the Port of Batangas, the Dangay Port also has a provision for secured parking called “Park and Sail”. Those who are not intent on bringing their vehicles to Caticlan may leave them at the port. The bustling tourism in Boracay got a bigger boost from the opening of the Roxas-Caticlan route. The Caticlan Jetty Port was developed by the local government of Caticlan. Total travel time for the Roxas-Caticlan is 4 hours. Aklan to Iloilo City (Land Travel) To traverse the 210-kilometer stretch from Aklan to Iloilo takes 5 hours (by car) to 6 hours (by bus). In general, the road condition is good (paved) with small pockets of rough road. The province of Aklan is home to the world-famous “Boracay” beach. It is located in the northwestern tip of the Panay Island.’ The Island of Panay is known for its festive celebrations and tourist destinations (white sand beaches, century-old churches) as well as rich natural resources. Cal’s Chicken, a popular lechon manok outlet that started in Iloilo (like Andoks and Baliwag in Manila) was able to branch out in Bacolod because of the Dumangas-Bacolod RO-RO route which allows for daily deliveries. Dumangas-Bacolod RO-RO Route (Sea Travel) There are 3 RO-RO ports in Iloilo - Muelle, La Paz and Dumangas. Of these ports, Dumangas is the busiest in terms of RORO traffic. From one RO-RO operator in 2004, the Dumangas-Bacolod route at present has 4 - Tristar-Megalink, Millenium, Montenegro and Jomalia Shipping. The La Paz Port, a private RORO port is used to link Iloilo with Guimaras (Jordan Port). FF Shipping operates this connection. The RO-RO trip from Dumangas to Bacolod takes 1 1/2 hours and covers a total distance of 22 nautical miles. The Port of BREDCO is a privately developed and operated port in the City of Bacolod. Opened for commercial traffic in 1995, BREDCO is served regularly by ships coming to and from Manila, and the cities of Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and General Santos. Negros Navigation & Company, SuperCat Corporation, Bullet Express, Aboitiz Transport System Superferry., Aleson Shipping, William Lines, Weesam Express and Sulpicio Lines are some of the shipping companies that call in this port. Foreign ships from China, the United States, Vietnam, South Korea and countries where the Philippines exports sugar and imports fertilizers and other industrial products also pass through Bacolod Port. There are four ramps available for RORO operation. Two (2) ramps are allocated for the Bacolod- Dumangas route, 1 ramp for the Bacolod - Iloilo City route and 1 ramp is reserved for disembarkation whenever necessary. The two ramps allocated for Dumangas are used by Tristar-Megalink, Millenium and Jomalia while the ramp for Iloilo City is used by Montenegro Shipping (Bacolod-Muelle route). Aside from RO-RO cargoes, the port handles general or break-bulk cargoes such as lumber and other wood and paper products, steel and aluminum products, steel scrap, liquid bulks, and a number of dry commodities such as fertilizers, grains, salts,, sugar and other agricultural commodities in bags or in bulk. Along with the growth of the port, the city is also on a binge with the rush of business wanting to be part of the urban scene. Notably striking is the ,mushrooming of several business establishments such as malls and IT related firms. In March 2007, the 60,000 square-meter SM-Bacolod mall opened. The city is currently hosting several multinational BPO and ICT companies. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has accredited two IT parks and five IT buildings in the city. Already, the city hosts four international call centers: Teleperformance, Teletech, 1-Solutions Outsource Asia and Focus Communications which started operations in 2006. Initially 500 graduates from Bacolod schools have been hired by these companies and some additional 2,000 call center agents are expected to be hired this year as more call center firms plan to open in the city, the most recent of which is Convergys. The improved accessibility of Bacolod, either by air transport or RO-RO, facilitated the visit of 245,000 local and foreign tourists to the city in 2006 - especially to participate in the celebration of the MassKara festival. Held every October, MassKara Festival is a celebration which has earned for Bacolod the title “City of Smiles”. The festival was born 25 years ago at a time of crisis - when sugar prices plummeted in the world market (Bacolod is the sugarlandia) and the vessel M/V Don Juan sunk carrying many Negrenses, including members of prominent families. During this time, Bacolod artists, the local-government and civic groups decided to hold a festival of smiles as it was thought of as a good opportunity to reverse the tide of gloom and to remind the people that Bacolod can pull through and in the end triumph over its misfortune. The festival features a MassKara Street Dance competition, a beauty pageant, carnivals, drum and bugle corps competitions, food festivals, sports events, musical concert, agritrade fair, a garden show, to name few. Other tourist destinations include 12o-year old San Sebastian Cathedral, the century old Palacio Episcopal, the Bishop’s House which was formerly the official residence of the Spanish Governor General in the Island of Negros during the Spanish Era, the Provincial Capitol Building which was constructed on June 2, 1927 (considered one of the country ’s most beautiful and grandiose provincial capitol buildings), the Japanese War Memorial Shrine, Samodal Woodshaving Shop and Anaware Ceramics, the Capitol Lagoon Park and many others. Bacolod to Dumaguete City (Land Travel) Land travel from Bacolod to Dumaguete takes about 6 hours and covers a total distance of 255 kilometers. Spanning a total land area of 3,426 hectares, the City of Dumaguete, capital of Negros Oriental, is situated on the plains of the southeastern coast of the Island of Negros, near the mouth of the Banica River. It is bounded on the North by the town of Sibulan; on the East by Tanon Strait and Mindanao Sea, serving as a natural border to the neighboring provinces of Cebu and Siquijor; on the West by the town of Valencia; and on the South by the town of Bacong. The city is experiencing fast urbanization as more and more Manila-based food chains (Shakey’s, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, Jollibee, Chowking, McDonalds, Greenwich and Goldilocks among others) have located in the city. Dumaguete’s tourism industry benefit much being part of the western leg of the SRNH. Dubbed as “The City of Gentle People”, Dumaguete offers its share of historical sites and both natural and man-made tourist attractions - among them: the Cathedral’s Bell Tower built in 1811, the Anthropological Museum and Luce Auditorium of Silliman University, and Rizal Boulevard, named after the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal who spent two years in exile in the city. Dumaguete boasts of a beautiful beachfront promenade, landmark manors, and other tourism sites. Americans consistently topped the list of foreign nationals visiting Dumaguete, followed by South Koreans, Japanese, Australians, and visitors from the United Kingdom, Australia and France. The RO-RO trip from Dumaguete to Dapitan stretches some 44 nautical miles and takes about 3 hours. The Port of Dumaguete is the main gateway to the Negros Island and the springboard to Mindanao. The biggest port in Negros Oriental, it has 3 finger piers and 2 RO-RO ramps spanning a total land area of 22,536 square meters and berthing length of 647 meters. The ongoing expansion of the port necessitated the transfer of some traffic to the nearby private port owned by the Dumaguete Coconut Mills, roughly 11 kilometers south of the city. This explains the drop in both cargo and passenger traffic at the Port of Dumaguete in 2006. The port was given a 25-year contract by the YPA to operate commercially and cater to both local and foreign ships. Trampers unload cement, steel bars and flour at this port. RO-RO service from Dumaguete to Dapitan started in 2003 with 2 shipping companies - George & Peter Lines and Cokaliong Shipping Corporation. Like the Koxas-Caticlan route, in a short period of 3 years, the number of RO-RO operators and ships increased due to the growth in cargo and passenger traffic. To date, there are already 5 shipping lines plying the route with a total of 8 RO-RO ships. RO-RO Operators No. of Ships Montenegro Shipping 3 George and Peter Lines 1 Aleson Shipping Lines 1 Asian Marine Transport/ Super Shuttle 1 Cokaliong Shipping 2 TOTAL 8 In May 2006, Ceres Bus Liner Company fielded a bus to ply the Cubao (Manila) - Zamboanga (Mindanao) trip with an initial 3o passengers on board. The bus line made arrangements with Asian Marine “Transport’s Super Shuttle ship to be accommodated in its 4pm daily trip. The bus carried passengers from Manila to Iloilo, Bacolod and to as far as Zamboanga City. The Port ot Dapitan is Mindanao’s gateway to Luzon and Visayas on the northwest. The port started its operation in iy75. In 1988, expansion started to accommodate the bigger ships of Sulpicio Lines. It has 2 RO-RO ramps. To further expand port capacity, the PYA in 2006 gave a private company called DIPCI (Dapitan Integrated Port Complex, lnc.) a permit to develop a private commercial port adjacent to the public port “This port complex will have a RORO wharf, a cold chain plant and grains bulk-handling terminal. The port development is designed to be modern logistics hub. The port complex will provide berthing for two big RO-RO ships at any-time of arrival, enough space for rapid turn-around time. The cold storage is expected to serve the fishery -output (bangus, tilapia, prawns) of some 1,600 hectares of fishponds in Dapitan. This is a logical move since the regular users of RO-RO vessels at the Port of Dapitan are fish traders from Zamboanga City and the nearby provinces of the Zamboanga Peninsula. About 80% of RO-RO cargoes are fresh fish bound for Dumagucte, Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu. Fish dealers from Zamboanga prefer RO-RO ships over big conventional cargo ships due to faster ship turn-around time and more trips are available. RO-RO trips start as early as 5:00 am. In the afternoon, fish carriers can go back to Dapitan for thc next trip. Finally, the grains bulk handling terminal is poised to support the grains production (particularly corn) in the western part of Mindanao - mainly Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Together, these provinces produce about 500,000 metric tons of corn a year. Dapitan and the rest of Mindanao On January 24, 1973, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 105 issued by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Dapitan was officially called the “Shrine City of the Philippines”. Dapitan City holds a special place in the history of the Philippines because it once sheltered the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, while in exile from July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896. It was here in Dapitan where Rizal exemplified the ideal that “it is a useless life which is not consecrated to a great ideal.” Dapitan and the Zamboanga Peninsula attract tourists from the Visayas to visit interesting sites such as the Dakak Park and Beach Resort, Jose Rizal Shrine among others. Dapitan to Zamboanga City (Road Travel) The 250 km trip from Dapitan to Zamboanga City takes about 5 hours. The road condition is good which makes the entire trip pleasant. This route facilitates passenger and cargo movements originating from as far as Jolo, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. Southwestern Mindanao RO-RO Connections The southwestern Mindanao RO-RO connections consist of the following routes: lamboanga City - Isabel (Basilan) Zamboanga City - Lamitan (Basilan) Zamboanga City - Siasi (Sulu) Zamboanga City - Bongao (Tawi-Tawi) The development of these RO-RO ports (Lamitan, Siocon, Siasi and Bongao) was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Growth with Equity (GEM) Program in Mindanao. Agricultural produce such as sugar, rice, bananas, marine products, and seaweeds, are shipped from TawiTawi, Sulu and Basilan to Zamboanga City. Majority of these cargoes go all the way to Visayan and Luzon markets via western nautical highway. The Eastern Nautical Highway The Eastern Nautical Highway, also known as the Pan Philippine Highway or the Maharlika Highway, bridges the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao via an extensive network of roads, bridges, and ferry services spanning a total distance of 2,500 kilometers. The Pan Philippine Highway was first conceptualized in 1965 and was envisaged to stimulate agricultural production by reducing transport cost, promoting countryside development, and expanding industrial production for both the domestic and foreign markets. The highway was further improved in 1997 with assistance from the Japanese government. The improvement included an additional 600 kilometers of road from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Matnog Sorsogon and was thus dubbed as the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway. The Eastern Nautical Highway links Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao via the provinces of Sorsogon, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Surigao del Norte. The northernmost tip of the transport network is located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (Luzon) while the southernmost tip is located in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (Mindanao). As the first major short sea shipping route, the eastern seaboard has been widely used as an alternative means for transporting produce as well as passengers from Luzon to Mindanao. Compared to the Western Nautical Highway which crosses four short sea links, traveling via the Eastern Nautical Highway takes you to Mindanao via only two short sea links. The major ports found along the Eastern Nautical Highway are the Ports of Matnog in Sorsogon, San Isidro and Allen in Samar, Liloan in Southern Leyte and Lipata in Surigao del Norte. Of the four RO-RO ports and terminals that make up the Eastern Nautical Highway, three are publicowned while one port, which is the Balwarteco Port in Allen, Samar is privately owned. The three regions that span across the Eastern Nautical Highway include the Bicol Region, the Eastern Visayas Region, and the Northern Mindanao Region. Manila - Matnog (Land Travel) Traveling via the Eastern Nautical Highway from Manila would first take you to Matnog, which is located at the southernmost tip of Sorsogon Province. Total travel time is approximately 12 hours covering a distance of 645 kilometers by land. Matnog, Sorsogon is located at the southmost tip of the Luzon island. The town of Matnog is home to one of the busiest RO-RO ports in the country. Its potential as a tourist destination due to its white sandy beaches has earned its inclusion in the Tourism Master Plan of the Bicol Region. Major scenic spots include Tikling Island, Subic Island, Ilidhid Heights, Bantigui Beach Resort, and Huag Island. Matnog, like the rest of its neighbors in the region, is primarily an agricultural economy’ Livestock is raised mainly at the backyard level, save for the very small numbers of farms. Farmers raise cattle, carabao, hog, goat, and chicken and other fowls. Carabao is used as farm work animal. Hog and chicken are sold at the local market. Aside from marine products, Matnog also produces coco-based shell products as well as buri and anahaw products. Continuing the journey from Matnog, Sorsogon brings us to Allen, Samar via sea travel. The Matnog-Allen RORO link covers a total distance of 12 nautical miles equivalent to approximately 45 minutes to an hour of travel by RORO. Cargoes and passengers that pass through the port of Matnog going to the Visayas have the option to either disembark at either Lo-oc, Allen or Dapdap, Allen. Approximately 2,000 buses bound for Mindanao cross the Matnog-Allen link every month. These bus services are being provided by Philtranco Bus Company and Bachelor Transit. A total of 10 RORO ships operated by three shipping companies call at the Port of Matnog, Sta. Clara Shipping (with four RO-RO ships); and its sistercompany Penafrancia (with three RORO ships) and Maharlika Shipping (with three). Sta. Clara & Penafrancia connect Matnog, Sorsogon to Lo-oc, Allen, Northern Samar while Maharlika connects Matnog to Dapdap, Allen. ALLEN. Allen, Samar is located at the Northern part of the province of Samar. Two RORO ports in Allen connect to Matnog, Sorsogon. Port of Allen in Barangay Lo-oc is mostly preferred by passengers because travel time from Matnog Port to Allen (Lo-oc) takes only an hour (12 nautical miles from Matnog). Another port, the PPA-operated Port in Barangay San Isidro, which is also used to serve passengers and cargo from Matnog to Allen, has long stopped operation due to poor performance (low passenger volume, cargo throughput and longer distance (17 nautical miles from Matnog). Allen, Samar - Tacloban, Leyte - Liloan Southern Leyte (land travel via the San Juanico Bridge) Upon disembarking at Allen, Samar, the journey continues via land travel taking you to Tacloban, Leyte, home to the famous San Juanico Bridge. San Juanico Bridge crosses over the picturesque San Juanico Strait connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte, and provides a major link between northern and southern Philippines through the Pan-Philippine Highway. The 2.16-kilometer bridge that spans the width of San Juanico Strait joins the provinces of Samar and Leyte. It was considered an engineering feat ahead of its time when it was constructed in 1973. The San Juanico Bridge is the only one of its kind in the country, thus becoming a tourist attraction. Connecting Tacloban City on the Leyte side and Santa Rita town on the Samar side, it offers many striking views, especially the islets of the province. It is approximately io minutes from downtown Tacloban City and is accessible by passenger jeepney, bus, motorcab or private vehicle. Liloan is located at the southernmost part of Southern Leyte and the 417 kilometer land trip from Tacloban to Liloan takes around 3-4 hours. Liloan-Lipata RO-RO Route (Sea Travel) It takes about 3 hours from Liloan to Lipata, Surigao via RO-RO. Two bus companies operate the Lipata- Liloan route. These include the Bachelor Express serving the Tacloban-Davao and Ormoc-Davao and vice versa, and the Philtranco plying , the Davao-Manila route. Aside from these two bus companies, trucking companies serve the Lipata-Liloan route either going all the way to Manila or end at Tacloban City from Mindanao. In terms of passenger arrivals, during summer, port statistics are good because students travel back to the province, and then at the start of school. The year 2006 was a year of calamities for Southern Leyte. The year 2006 was not a good year in terms of cargo throughput and passenger arrivals. The slackening of passenger and cargo throughput has been partly attributed to the presence of other travel modes/destinations, In the past, the whole of Mindanao was not served by SRNH. Today, from Zamboanga, one can link up with Dapitan, from Dapitan with Cebu , with Iloilo , with Dumaguete, and with Siquijor. Lipata, Surigao del Norte is also known as the Gateway to Northern Mindanao from the Visayas via the Eastern Seaboard Nautical Highway. |
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| pachador | May 28 2009, 02:33 AM Post #2 |
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Part 2: Central Nautical Highway 1. Port of Pilar, Sorsogon 2. Port of Aroroy, Masbate 3. Port of Cawayan, Masbate 4. Port of Daangbantayan, Cebu 5. Port of Cebu, Cebu City 6. Port of Tubigon, Bohol 7. Port of Jagna, Bohol 8. Port of Mambajao, Camiguin 9. Port of Benoni, Camiguin 10. Port of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental Central Nautical Highway Leading the RO-RO Caravan, President Arroyo inaugurated in April 2008 the Central Nautical Highway - the last main trunk line of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. The major RO-RO links comprising the central nautical highway include: Pilar (Sorsogon) - Aroroy (Masbate) Cawayan (Masbate) - Daang Bantayan (Cebu) Mandaue (Cebu) - Tubigon (Bohol) Jagna (Bohol) Mambajao (Camiguin) Benoni (Camiguin) - Balingoan (Misamis Oriental) Manila to Pilar, Sorsogon (Land Trip) It takes 10 hours to cover the 588-km land trip from Manila to Pilar, Sorsogon. The municipality of Pilar serves as the gateway for Luzon to Mindanao via the island provinces of Masbate, Cebu, Bohol and Camiguin. The nearby municipality of Donsol (Sorsogon) is home to the whale-sharks (butanding) while the neighboring province of Albay is home to Mt. Mayon. Pilar - Aroroy RORO Route (Sea Travel) PILAR. At present, the existing municipal feeder port in Pilar is used for the Pilar-Aroroy RO-RO link. A RO-RO ramp was constructed in the port to make it RO-RO capable. There is, however, a plan to develop a new RO-RO port in San Antonio, Pilar. Travel time via RO-RO from Pilar to Aroroy is approximately 1 hour. AROROY. The PPA developed a RORO terminal adjacent to the existing municipal feeder port in Aroroy. This port represents the new point of entry to the province of Masbate. Masbate is one of the country’s developing island provinces. Connecting the province to both Luzon and Cebu would provide the province access to a larger market. Main products produced in Masbate are livestock (cattle), copra, and mineral products (like gold and manganese). With the opening of the Central Nautical Highway, Masbate’s direction of trade is no longer north bound (i.e., from Masbate to Luzon). With the completion of the RORO terminals in Cawayan and Daang Bantayan, south bound trade (to Visayas and Mindanao) is now being facilitated through RO-RO. It is expected that the Roxas-Caticlan experience of Mindoro Oriental will be replicated in Masbate. The increased economic will aid the rapid development of the province. Aroroy to Cawayan (Land Trip) It takes about 5-6 hours of land travel from Aroroy (North) to Cawayan (South) spanning a total distance of approximately 125 kilometers . The port of Cawayan is the jump-off point of Masbate to the Visayas. Cawayan - Daangbantayan RORO Route (Sea Travel) The RO-RO trip from Cawayan, Masbate to Daangbantayan, Cebu takes about 5 to 6 hours and covers a total distance of 50 nautical miles. CAWAYAN. The PPA rehabilitated and expanded the existing wharf in Cawavan to make it a RO-RO capable port. DAANGBANTAYAN. The Daang Bantayan RORO terminal development is a project of the provincial government. The port is located in the northern tip of the Cebu Island. Daangbantayan to Mandaue (Land Trip) The road network from Daangbantayan to Mandaue is good. It takes about 3 hours to traverse the 13o-kilometer stretch. The City of Cebu is the capital of the Province of Cebu. The presence of large urban areas in its immediate and outlying vicinity has transformed the City of Cebu as the urban core and commerce center, with a pattern of activities that respect no boundaries due to the unrestricted and avoidable flow of goods and people. The prime destination of these movements is the areas and/or vicinities of Carbon, Magallanes, and Colon Streets, with the Central Business District (CBD). The city, as a regional center, continues to radiate its influence to the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It must be noted that for the last four decades after World War II, the City of Cebu has metamorphosed as the center of education and culture; the hub of sea and air transport; and the center of trade and commerce. The most famous of all historical landmarks in Cebu City is Magellan’s Cross that was planted in Cebu shores by Ferdinand Magellan in April 14, 1521. marking the spot where the first Catholic Christians - Rajah Humabon, Queen Juana and about 400 followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro de Valderama. Another interesting tourist landmark is the Fort San Pedro, which is considered to be the smallest and oldest tri-bastion fort in the country. Built in 1738 this served as the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. The Basilica Minore del Santo Nino is the only basilica in the Far East. The Basilica houses the Country’s oldest religious image - the Miraculous Image of the Holy Child Jesus more popularly known as “SENOR SANTO NINO”. The Sinulog Festival is a major celebration every first month of the year in honor of Senor Sto. Nino. The island of Mactan houses the Mactan Export Processing Zone and world class resort-hotels (Mactan Shangri-la and Plantation Bay). Mandaue - Tubigon RORO Route (Sea Travel) MANDAUE. The main ports of Cebu are located in Mandaue City. All port in the Cebu province are under the supervision of the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA). The Mandaue (Cebu) - Tubigon (Bohol) RORO route is one of the two routes that existed prior to the establishment of the Central Nautical Highway. The RO-RO trop takes about 2 hours. TUBIGON. The municipality of Tubigon is approximately 54 kilometers northeast of the City of Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol. Four shipping companies serve the Mandaue-Tubigon RORO Route - Rolly Shipping Lines (1 trip per day), Kinswell Shipping Lines (2 trips per day), Island Shipping (1 trip per day), and Jadestar (2 trips per day). The island province of Bohol is the rice granary of the Visayas. It also produces coconuts, bananas, corn, vegetables and various root crops. Its municipal waters teem with the most delicious blue crabs, aside from being a very rich fishing ground. It is also the habitat of countless rare tropical fishes. Bohol is home to the tarsiers (smallest monkey in the world) and the famous Chocolate Hills. Tubigon to Jagna (Land Trip) The land trip from the Port of Tubigon to the Port of Jagna takes approximately 2 hours and covers a total distance of 81 kilometers Jagna-Balbagon RORO Route (Sea Travel) JAGNA. The PPA upgraded the existing port and developed a RO-RO ramp for RORO operations. The RO-RO trip from Jagna (Bohol) to Balbagon (Camiguin) takes about 5 hours. Gothong Shipping provides a direct RO-RO service from Jagna to Cagayan de Oro once a week. BALBAGON. The Port of Balbagon is located in the capital town of Mambajao, Caminguin. Aside from the R0-R0 service between Jagna and Balbagon, Asian Marine Transport provides a RO-RO service between Camiguin and Cebu once a week. Cargoes consist mainly of agricultural products such as copra, coco lumber, bananas, lanzones, among others. Balbagon to Benoni (Land Trip) The land trip from Balbagon to Benoni is approximately 45 minutes to an hour and covers a total distance of 17 kilometers. Benoni-Balingoan RORO Route (Sea Travel) There are three terminal ports operating in the Province of Camiguin. The main port of entry to Camiguin is the Port of Benoni (Mahinog), and minor ports at Balbagon (Mambajao) and Guinsiliban. The Port of Benoni is part of the last leg of the Central Nautical Highway. BENONI. The Port of Benoni is located in the southern part of Camiguin. It has 2 reinforced concrete piers and 2 RO-RO ramps. The Port of Benoni is the busiest port in Camiguin Province with three shipping companies operating on a daily basis - Corrales shipping Company (with two vessels: M/ V Hijos and M/V Dona Pepita), Philstone Shipping Corporation (with three vessels: M/V Kalinaw, M/V Yuhum and M/V Royal Princess), and Asian Marine Transport Corporation (with two vessels: Super Shuttle 1 and Super Shuttle 6). Travel time from Benoni to Balingoan is 1 1/2 hours. The average number of ship calls is seven per day. The port experiences congestion during the Holy Week when Camiguin is visited by close to 60,00o tourists to be part of the local Lenten celebration called “Panaad.” BALINGOAN. Located at Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, the Port of Balingoan is about 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City. Balingoan Port is the nearest jump-off point for passengers/tourists and cargoes going to/coming from the Island-Province of Camiguin. It has three RORO ramps. The Port of Balingoan boasts of a new passenger terminal. There is, however, a need to upgrade and rehabilitate the existing pier. Part of the development plan is to convert the port into a domestic port once the international port will be opened in Cagayan de Oro. There are three shipping companies with 7 vessels operating at the Balingoan Port: One serves the BalingoanGuinsiliban route (the Super Shuttle Ferry 9 operated by Asian Marine Transport Corporation), and the rest serving the Balingoan - Benoni route. Average travel time is one hour and 15 minutes. Cargoes at Balingoan Port consist mainly of copra and coconut lumber (from Camiguin) rolled on through trucks (to and 6 wheeler types) usually bound for Cagayan de Oro. Balingoan to Central and Southeastern Mindanao From the Port of Balingoan, trucks and buses can go east to Surigao and Agusan, to the southeastern provinces of Mindanao (South Cotabato and Davao) through the BUDA highway - cutting through Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, or go west to Ozamiz. The eastern part of Mindanao is home to large agribusiness ventures - Dole Philippines and Del Monte Philippines. Davao and South Cotabato export tuna and other marine products. Bukidnon, like South Cotabato, produces corn. The province of Misamis Oriental houses the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate while Iligan City is home to some heavy industries (steel, cement). Expanding the SNRH is just one of the potential RO-RO connections being considered by the private sector and local government units (LGUs) for development. Ilocos-Batanes RO-RO Link The Port of Currimao has an existing RO-RO port. The Philippine Ports Authority is currently developing a berthing facility to accommodate international cruise ships. A RO-RO connection from Ilocos Norte to the island province of Batanes will expand the scope of tourism in Northern Luzon. Northeastern Coastal RO-RO Connections The northeastern provinces of Luzon consist of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon. There is an ongoing effort to connect these provinces through a coastal RO-RO service. In fact, the provincial governments of Aurora, Cagayan and Isabela) formed a corporation, called Northeastern Luzon Pacific Coastal RORO Service Corporation, to invest in the provision of the RO-RO service. Initially, the Dingalan-BalerCasiguran route can be made operational with the completion of the ‘port improvements in Baler and Casiguran. The existing fish port in Baler is in relatively good condition. There is, however, a need to develop a RO-RO ramp in the port to make it RO-RO capable. The fish wharf in Casiguran is currently being upgraded into a RO-RO capable port. Civil works started in January 2008 and is expected to be completed within 1 year. The scope of work includes the construction of RC wharf and RO-RO ramp, widening and upgrading of rock causeway, and installation of port lighting system. The RO-RO port in Dingalan was completed and inaugurated by the President in November 2007. Road access development to Dingalan (SCTEP-Dingalan Road) and Baler (via Pantabangan) from Manila and Central Luzon is ongoing. The development of the Umiray Bridge, which will make Dingalan accessible from Manila via Infanta, Quezon is set to start. Finally, the development of the Baler-Casiguran Road is ongoing and is expected to be completed in 2010. During the Aurora Investment Summit last January 2008, the NDC Maritime Leasing Corporation and the Provincial Government of Aurora signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development and operation of the RORO service in the coastal municipalities of Dingalan, Baler and Casiguran. Cebu-Bohol-Southern Leyte Loop The Cebu-Bohol-Southern Leyte loop will connect the central nautical highway with the eastern nautical highway. Travelers from northeastern Mindanao bound for Cebu or Bacolod have the option of taking the Lipata-Liloan RO-RO route and then proceed by land to Maasin for the next RO-RO links (Maasin, Southern Leyte - Ubay, Bohol and Getafe, Bohol - Cebu) instead of going to Misamis Oriental for the Misamis Oriental (Balingoan) - Camiguin - Bohol - Cebu route. Those who intend to go as far as Bacolod will have to take the Toledo (Cebu) - San Carlos (Negros Oriental) lateral RO-RO link. Batangas-Mindoro-Palawan RORO Links Another major agro-tourism destination is Palawan. While Boracav can be accessed from Batangas via Oriental Mindoro, Palawan may be accessed from Batangas via Occidental Mindoro (San Jose). A RO-RO link will be established from San Jose, Oriental Mindoro to Coron - a small island in the northern portion of Palawan. From Coron, one can hop to Cullion, Binalan and Taytay to reach Puerto Princesa by land. Famous tourist spots in Palawan include El Nido, Maricaban Bay, Calawit wildlife safari, and Kayangan Lake among others. DOTC RO-RO Action Program for 2008-2010 With the RO-RO policy in place, the remaining work will focus on policy enhancements as well as further expansion of the SRNH network. Following recommendations were raised at the Food Summit last April 4, 2008. Policy Enhancement The DOTC Inter-Agency RO-RO Committee approved, for endorsement to President Arroyo, the issuance of an Executive Order that designates all roads that form part of the SRNH as “national roads”. This intervention is designed to improve the development and maintenance of roads forming the national highway, eradicate illegal imposition of toll fees, as well as increase the participation of DPWH in the strategic development of road networks that will further expand the SRNH system. Another policy recommendation is the inclusion of the chassis-RORO (RORO) operation as part of the RO-RO service. This intervention is designed to reduce the domestic transshipment of export and import cargoes. It will also dovetail existing measures - such as discounted wharfage and scanning fees - that cushion the impact of peso appreciation on exports as well as enhance the country’s competitiveness. SRNH Network Expansion The DOTC and PPA will fast-track the development, rehabilitation and upgrading of RO-RO ports/terminals especially those that provide east-west connections. DOTC shall also coordinate with DPWH on the provision of roads that would provide intermodal connectivity. Finally, DOTC and PPA shall likewise work together in crafting the terms of reference that will govern the effective and immediate privatization of public RO-RO ports and terminals. http://www.agribusinessweek.com/ |
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8:59 AM Jul 11