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.
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.
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).