VP Sara cites importance of maritime safety, security

Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during the inauguration of MV Lite Cat 2 in Cebu City on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. The new roll-on, roll-off passenger Catamaran vessel is expected to cut travel time from Cebu City to Bohol province. | PHOTO: INQUIRER Visayas / Jhunnex Napallacan

CEBU CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday emphasized the importance of safety and security in the maritime navigation as she graced the launching of a new roll-on, roll-off passenger Catamaran vessel that will cut the travel time from Cebu City to Bohol province.

Duterte, along with Senator and presidential sister Imee Marcos, led the inauguration of MV Lite Cat 2 which is operated by Lite Shipping Lines owned by Boholano shipping magnate Lucio Lim Jr.

MV Lite Cat 2, which was inaugurated on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, is expected to cut travel time from Cebu City to Bohol province. | PHOTO: INQUIRER Visayas / Jhunnex Napallacan

Duterte, in her remarks aboard the new vessel docked at Pier 3 in Cebu City, said the expanding of Lite Ferries’ fleet of vessels is essential to the economy and the call of President Marcos to modernize the domestic shipping sector.

“Putting money in the state of the art navigation system, and training the crew and ground workers to ensure the safety and security of your passengers and cargo indicates your dedication in nation building,” the vice president said.

Lim, for his part, said MV Lite Cat 2 will set a new standard for maritime travel in the Philippines.

Vice President Sara Duterte (fourth from right) leads the inauguration of MV Lite Cat 2 in Cebu City on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. With her were Senator Imee Marcos (third from right) and other officials. | PHOTO: INQUIRER Visayas / Jhunnex Napallacan

MV Lite Cat 2 has 1,547 tons and can accommodate 453 passengers, 12 units of heavy trucks, and 20 light vehicles or 60 cars.

It sails from Cebu City to Tubigon Bohol and vice versa four times a day. Instead of two hours for regular vessels, its travel time will be cut to one hour and 30 minutes.

The vessel has three classes: business class with a fare of P460, tourist class (P390), and economy class (P330).

JPV