A DRY-RUN and soft opening was conducted Wednesday, July 27 at the Parola project site despite no franchise granted by the Iloilo City Council through an ordinance.
Also, the dry-run coincided with the official opening of City Mall, a commercial complex, as part of the terminal project.
Lawyer Mark Piad, spokesman of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, said the soft opening will test the appreciation of the Parola port users in going to Guimaras.
Without an exact date for the official opening, Piad said the passengers for Guimaras can use the facility by paying the terminal fee of P11 in addition to the regular ferryboat fare.
Piad said the new ferry terminal cannot open officially without a franchise but the dry-run will set to establish the system of operation of Double Dragon Properties as operator and developer of the terminal project.
The existing two river wharves, the Ortiz wharf and old Parola wharf will still continue its operation in order for the passenger to choose which wharf to use in going to Guimaras Island across the Iloilo Strait.
Piad said the City Council has not released any official report as to when they will grant the franchise to Double Dragon.