Economic boost seen in Maguindanao-Basilan link

MAIDEN VOYAGE MV Island Paradise will start servicing the Maguindanao del Norte-Basilan route on April 25. —PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS-BARMM

COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro officials expect economic activities to increase between the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Basilan with the opening of the roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) facility linking the two areas this month.

Bangsamoro Transportation and Communication Minister Paisalin Tago said the Ro-Ro vessel MV Island Paradise would start servicing the route daily from Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, and Lamitan City Port in Basilan on April 25.

He said the Bangsamoro Maritime Industry Authority (Bmarina), during its board meeting on April 13, approved the opening of the new Ro-Ro route linking the two provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The vessel, which also received its certificate of public convenience to operate the route, is owned by lawyer Pherham Saiddi of Saiddi Agri-Farm and Trading Inc.

Lawyer Abubakar Katambak, officer in charge director of BMarina, welcomed the opening of the Ro-Ro operation, saying it would spur economic activities not only in the two provinces but also in Cotabato City, seat of the BARMM government and the entire region.

Tago said authorities were conducting standard inspections to ensure the vessel’s seaworthiness.

—EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ