PH Pres. Duterte, Indonesian Pres. Widodo To Launch Philippines-Indonesia RORO This April 30

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will witness the maiden voyage of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) roll-on roll-off connectivity, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday, April 20.

President Duterte and President Widodo will lead the launch of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung City, Indonesia route on April 30, DTI Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato Jr. said.

“Ngayong April 30, mismong si President Duterte at nag-confirm na rin po si President Widodo ng Indonesia ang magla-launch,” Boncato told reporters during the DTI’s press conference in Makati City.

“Ang vessel po na gagamitin ay may capacity na 500 TEUs or 500 container vans,” he added.

The vessel named Super Shuttle Ro-Ro 14 is owned and operated by Asian Marine Transport Corp. and will be sent off for the Davao-Gen. Santos, Bitung operation at Kudos Port, Davao City.

It will initially operate once a week.

The said route is said to be more efficient alternative to the Manila to Bitung route, which takes three to five weeks of shipping time.

Direct shipping via the Davao-General Santos, Bitung route will only take about one day and a half of sailing.

“Consequently, opening up this route will provide greater access for local businessmen to engage in international trade, as well as stimulate other areas of development such as tourism, establishment of direct air linkages, and increase in investment inflows, among others,” the DTI official said.

Source: Manila Bulletin