No hitches on first day of new ferry terminal dry run

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BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA and RESEL JOY TIANERO
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Thursday, April 6, 2017
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ILOILO City – The modern Iloilo Ferry Terminal in Barangay Concepcion, City Proper started its two-day dry run without a hitch yesterday.

Motorboats transporting passengers to Guimaras and vice versa finally used the facility that what was once known as the Guimaras-Iloilo Ferry Terminal.

City Administrator Hernando Galvez and Guimaras vice governor John Edward observed the terminal’s operation.

“So far, we have not seen any problem. It was smooth-sailing,” said Galvez.

“This one is better than the old ferry terminal,” according to Gando.

After the dry run, stakeholders will gather to make an assessment.

“Then we will decide…kon mga magagmay man lang problema nga maremedyuhan then probably this terminal will be utilized at the soonest,” said Gando.

It was high tide yesterday. Motorboats did not have difficulty maneuvering.

At least six to eight boats could dock at the same time.  A motorboat can carry a maximum of 45 passengers.

“Tan-awon ta anay kon ano ang matabo if it’s low tide,” said Gando.

Galvez did not discount the possibility that problems may occur in the future, thus the preparations.

“We believe that somewhere along the way if there will be problems, we will be able to address them immediately. We have noted down the things to be done to give convenience to the passengers,” Galvez stressed.

The facility also ensures security and convenience of passengers. Hand-carry bags pass through an x-ray scanner at the entrance of passengers’ lounge.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Iloilo Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica said the scanner and closed-circuit television camera ensure that no contrabands will be brought into the province.

No terminal fees would be collected for 10 years.

The Sia family / Injap Group last year decided to adopt this ferry terminal project of DoubleDragon Properties Corp. Passengers using the new ferry terminal won’t be required to pay the terminal fee. The family is a principal shareholder of DoubleDragon.

Early last year, the provincial government of Guimaras opposed the proposed P11 terminal fee at the new terminal and brought this concern to the court. It also questioned the joint venture agreement between the city government of Iloilo and DoubleDragon for the development of the terminal.

The provincial government opposed, too, a provision in the joint venture agreement closing the two existing wharves in Iloilo City – Parola and Ortiz – once the new ferry terminal operates.
“We will see what happens next,” said Gando yesterday, “Kon amo man lang ni ang siwasyon subong nga ang tanan namon nga reklamo daw narespondehan man, this may make the case moot and academic.”

The new ferry terminal serves passengers bound for Buenavista, Guimaras. As agreed by the city government and the provincial government of Guimaras, bigger baggage will still pass through the old Parola wharf anchorage area./PN

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