MAIDEN VOYAGE. The MV Island Paradise, operated by the Saiddi Agri-Farm and Trading, Inc. (SAFTI), has been given a certificate of public convenience to start operations starting April 25, 2023. It will serve a 'roll on, roll off' operation between the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan. (Photo courtesy of MOTC-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY – Economic activities between Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan are expected to increase after the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) transportation ministry approved its Roll On/Roll Off (RoRo) operation, officials said Monday.
Minister Paisalin Tago of the BARMM Ministry of Transportation and Communication said the operation of MV Island Paradise RoRo vessel will start on April 25, which will be serving the Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte and Lamitan City Port in Basilan.
“The Polloc Port-Lamitan route will be daily,” Tago said in a statement.
He said the Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (BMARINA) approved the opening of RoRo operation between the Polloc and Lamitan ports during a board meeting over the weekend.
MV Island Paradise, owned by lawyer Pherham S. Saiddi of Saiddi Agri-Farm and Trading, Inc. (SAFTI), also received its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) for the route.
Lawyer Abubakar A. Katambak, BMARINA office-in-charge, said the opening of the RoRo operation would spur economic activities in the region.
Before its initial voyage and upon compliance with all necessary documents, BMARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard will inspect the vessel to ensure its seaworthiness. (PNA)
