Davao City Third District Councilor Conrado Baluran, chairperson of the City Council’s committee on transportation, on Tuesday bared that the operation of the planned Davao Coastal ferry is undergoing study due to subsidy issue.
Baluran said he was told by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) that the city government of Davao needs to subsidize a certain amount so that the project will start operating.
“Ato gyud na siyang gina-push ang problema lang kay ang MARINA nagsulti sa atoa nga naa ta’y i-subsidize na certain amount. Amo ning gi-istudyuhan kung puwede ba ni i-subsidize? Magbutang sila ug negosyo diri. For example ang pletehan is allowed gikan sa Toril paingon downtown area naa sa P40 to P50, and ilaha is higher kay P80, unya sa dagat mag-agi,” he said during the Aprubado sa Konseho media forum.
“Mao tung among istudyuhan karon kay ang katong P30 murag kita ang pabayaron para ma-operational ni,” Baluran said.
Proposed by Pinoy Catamaran, the Davao Coastal Ferry will operate from the municipality of Lupon in Davao Oriental to Magsaysay Park in Davao City and versa. Proposed stations in Davao City are Daliao, Toril; SM Ecoland, Matina; Piapi, Boulevard; Sta. Ana; Agdao; Mintrade (shoreline); Alcantara Port; Sasa Wharf; Panacan; and Tibungco.
Among the proponent’s recommendations is the local government unit (LGU) will provide proper berthing and docking space for vessels and the terminal fee will be on top of the ticket price.
The operation of the coastal ferry is expected to decongest traffic in Davao City.
“Imbes makatabang sila sa atong traffic congestion, bundakan man hinuon ta nila ug problema. Amo pa ning gi-istudyuhan sa committee,” Baluran said.
