Marina allows vessels not to observe regular schedule

CEBU, Philippines — In line with the observance of the Holy Week, vessels can depart immediately without following the authorized schedule and once the maximum capacity of passengers is attained to avoid stranding.

Regional Director Engr. Marc Anthony Pascua of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) 7 yesterday informed the media during the 888 News Forum that “relaxation order” has been imposed in the region  where numerous Filipinos will be travelling into different provinces through boat.

In ordinary days, vessels follow a required frequency but in the coming days, vessels have a “relax” schedule or operators can adjust frequency and schedule.

“During peak seasons o holidays, meron po kaming advisory na yung schedules po ng mga barko, para mapabilis po siya, pag napuno [ay] alis na kaagad para maiwas yung nagka-clog yung mga pasahero na stranded,” Pascua said.

Pascua assured that they especially prioritize the safety of the passengers despite the immediate sailing.

“Kahit na naka-relax yung schedule, yung safety hindi pwedeng ma-compromise. Dapat kompleto lahat yung mga kagamitan nila [at iba pa]. Ma-checheck pa rin ng ating mga authorities [ang vessels] para di ma-compromise ang safety,” Pascua said.

The Relaxation Order is implemented everytime there are special occasions like summer vacation, Holy Week and others.

MARINA 7 Legal Officer Daniel Oral said the order monitored and implemented under Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2019.

The Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2019 is a mandate that the line agencies under DOTr will follow security measures for the safety of passengers in observance of the Holy Week. There is 24/7 passenger assistance from April 8 - April 25.

Pascua said other operators apply special permit to “relax” their schedule but since they already have the advisory, relaxation order is observed even without the permit.

In the next days of Holy Week, an increase in the number of passengers is expected. However, Pascua assured that in Cebu, ports will be able to serve all passengers since there are around 500 vessels. — Raizza Aliviado, USC Intern MBG (FREEMAN)