THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is scheduled to meet with officials from Iloilo City and Bacolod City on Thursday, October 15, to discuss the possible resumption of fastcraft services between the two cities.
Marina-Western Visayas Director Jose Venancio Vero said the meeting was arranged after he coordinated with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Vero said aside from the two city officials, they have also invited representatives from the shipping agencies who are servicing the two cities in order to discuss the health protocols that would be imposed for travelers.
Frank Carbon, operator of Weesam Express, said they hope to resume operation next week after some concerns would be addressed during the meeting, which will also be attended by the officials of the Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard with the shipping lines officials.
The meeting is triggered by an Executive Order issued Tuesday, October 13, by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, allowing the resumption of sea travels to Bacolod City.
The EO also emphasized the strict observation of minimum health standards and safety protocols in public transportation between the two cities amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Carbon said the re-opening of their operation would depend on the protocols and that they will request that they would go back to commercial operation without restrictions because if they will impose restrictions which they did before, the shipping lines will loss and may cease operation again.
He also bared that they will also ask for a minimal fare rate increase to cover for the fuel price increase imposed by the oil companies.