ORION, Bataan — The ferry boat services plying from this coastal province to Mall of Asia in Pasay City contributes to the province’s economic progress as it brings Bataan closer to Metro Manila with its only one hour trip via Manila Bay.
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| Ferry boat (photo by Mar Supnad / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) |
To give more comport to the passengers, the Ferry management has also utilised a shuttle van from Port of Orion, free of charge, to bring the commuters to various drop off points such as Petron and Lamao in Limay town, Cabcaben, Alas asin, AFAB, all the way to Mariveles town hall in the South while Bilolo, Alauli, Balanga Jollibee, Abucay cafe, Calaguiman, DPWH Orani, Hermosa public market all the way to Dinalupihan plaza in the North.
Commuters can also avail of free wifi inside the ferry boat while traveling.
“We are not yet making money here but we utilized the Ferry boat for the sake of public service as requested by Gov Abet Garcia, and we cannot refuse it,” pointed out Goody Ilagan, the Ferry president.
With the deployment of the airconditioned fast craft, traders and the public can now certainly reach Manila and vice versa from this town in just an hour without the hassle of being caught in monstrous traffic jam.
Bataan has become one of the most progressive provinces in Central Luzon and hosts two free ports- Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), providing employment to almost two hundred thousand personnel and workers.
It has become a home to most of the region’s largest industrial businesses, such as, aside from FAB and SBMA, the multi-billion Bataan Petron Refinery in Limay town; the Hermosa Economic Zone; the Petrochemical plant; the soon to be put up P60 billion industrial zone project in Biaan, Mariveles; among others.
Bataan’s strategic location within the economic gateway of Manila Bay and the special economic zones is a key feature that would anchor further investments in the province and in the whole Central Luzon as well, said Gov Garcia. The 1Bataan Integrated Transport System, (Ferry boat operator) is a joint project by the Provincial Government of Bataan thru Gov. Garcia and Magic Leaf Marine Logistics Corp. led by its President Mr. Manuel Carlos “Goody” Ilagan, Jr.
The Ferry service project which started its soft run last December 11, 2017 ushers in the birth of a modern comprehensive and integrated transportation service system, promoting further the industrial growth and sustainability of the province and elevating the standard of living of its residents towards a better quality of life for Bataan residents and businesses alike.
Its travel route starts from MOA Esplanade Seaside Terminal (EST) and docks in Port of Capinpin in Orion, Bataan.
By Mar Supnad
Source: news.mb.com.ph