Maasin boat presence a necessity

Southern Leytenos especially those coming from Limasawa, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Macrohon and Maasin City, are at a disadvantage when it comes to boat access for travel and business purposes. And when the lone shipping line, Cokaliong Shipping, with its once a week schedule had to temporarily suspend its trip to the port of Maasin City due to boat dry docking maintenance last June 27 and July 18, different angles about the province’s lack of passenger and cargo boats went viral on social media as many concerns of local travelers and businessmen emerged.
In an interview with a employee at the Cokaliong Shipping Line main office in Cebu City, she said that the passenger vessel will continue to regularly operate on July 25.
The past trips were temporarily suspended because the boat used for the Maasin City to Cebu City route was temporarily utilized for another route.
Meanwhile, Maasin City Division Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority, Jonah Tabinas, in an interview said, “There are vessel companies who inquired and visited us here in the office; hopefully in a positive way, they will proceed”.
Tabinas also shared that another passenger vessel is reported to enter the port.
Tabinas added further that the recent KHO Shipping Lines is still welcome to operate in the Maasin City Port. “They still have the permit and are welcome in the city.”
“We did our follow-ups but until now they have not yet replied to our text messages.” Tabinas ended.
The Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry members have discussed this predicament in their meetings and came up with a consensus that a viable industry is needed to be focused on and supported by the government and private sector, like the once world-class known laylay variety of abaca and its products. This can boost local economy and at the same time “bring back the ships”. (Rhonchelle Cabodbod, GMReyes)