After 40 years of absence
TACLOBAN CITY – After nearly 40 years, a commercial passenger vessel is set to serve the people of Tacloban City and the surrounding Eastern Visayas region through the city’s port.
On Tuesday, Sept.10, the M/V Claudine Star, owned by Star Philippines Shipping Lines, Inc., arrived from Cebu City, marking the start of its regular commercial voyages between Tacloban and Cebu.
The vessel’s arrival was highlighted by a blessing ceremony, attended by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, and other local officials.
Jose Emery Roble, the owner of the shipping company, personally welcomed the guests.
Security at the event was notably strict, with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) enforcing tight measures.
Media access was restricted, and even the priest scheduled to lead the mass encountered delays due to these heightened security protocols.
Roble, a native of Hilongos, Leyte, acknowledged the challenges of launching the Tacloban-Cebu route, as no passenger vessels had operated from the Tacloban port for decades.
“I hope the people of Tacloban and the entire Waray region will support the M/V Claudine Star as we take on the challenge of operating here,” Roble said in an interview on Wednesday.
“The last time a commercial passenger vessel operated in Tacloban was in 1987.”
Although the port has continued to handle cargo vessels, the absence of passenger ships was attributed to deteriorating port facilities, especially berthing accommodations for larger modern vessels, and the public’s shift to air travel for its convenience and speed.
The 851.60 gross tonnage M/V Claudine Star, named after Roble’s daughter and which could carry more than 700 passengers including its crew members, will operate a regular schedule, departing Cebu for Tacloban on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, with return trips from Tacloban to Cebu on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. The journey will take approximately 10 hours.
Roble expressed optimism that the public will once again embrace sea travel through their vessel, especially those traveling from Samar Island.
“We’re also targeting passengers from Samar provinces who will no longer need to travel to Ormoc City or Hilongos to reach Cebu,” he said, referring to other Leyte ports servicing the Cebu route.
He added that beyond providing transportation, they hope their operations will boost tourism and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
