By Leo Udtohan
With the launching of MV Filipinas Ubay, you can now travel from Ubay town, Bohol to Cebu and vice versa by boat for 4 hours.
The blessing and launching ceremony on Saturday, March 11, was attended by Chester Cokaliong, CEO and COO of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc., Anna Lynne Cokaliong, Chanel Cokaliong, Gov. Aris Aumentado, Vice Gov. Victor Balite, 2nd district Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes, Vice Mayor Victor Bonghanoy, Ubay councilors IC Besas, Violeta Reyes and other local officials, Clarin Mayor Eugene Ibarra and officials of the Philippine Ports Authority.
In his message, Chester said he heeded to the "kakulitan" of Aris to invest in Bohol.
He said M/V Filipinas Ubay, which is worth P110 million, was purposely bought for the town of Ubay upon the request of Aris.
"Mingsud ta diri tungod sa request ni [Gov.] Aris [Aumentado] . Nanawag si Aris nako 'Gobernador nako Sir, ayaw nako balibari sa barko para sa Ubay.' Panahon siya sa Congressman pa sigeg update nako," Chester said in his message.
"Nag-invest ang Cokaliong sa municipality of Ubay og P110 million," he added.
The MV Filipinas is the smallest and 16th vessel of Cokaliong Shipping Lines.
It is a roll-on-roll-off passenger ferry, it has a passenger capacity of 350 and cargo capacity of 20-25 trucks.
As of today, Cokaliong Shipping Lines has been connecting Mindanao and Visayas with their 15 vessels.
Aris said the new Ubay-Cebu route will have greater connectivity, improved competition in the shipping industry, and lower cargo costs.
"Pinaagi sa M/V Filipinas Ubay sa Cokaliong Shipping Lines, mas mapadali na pagbiyahe sa atong mga higala sa Ubay ug sa Segundo Distrito," said Aumentado.
Vanessa said it will make the province more connected as well as help boost its economic activity.
She added that the new ship will also enhance the province's attractiveness as a destination by promising greater passenger safety, welfare and comfort.
"This will greatly contribute to the development of Ubay and Bohol, and it will open more opportunities," said Vanessa.
The new daily trip schedules: Ubay-Cebu from 8:00 A.M.-12:00 NN and Cebu-Ubay from 8:00 P.M.-12:00 MN.
Tickets cost P400 for economy and P440 for tourist.
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