More passengers going to Metro Manila now prefer to take the roll-on-roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels because of their convenience, shorter travel time and lower cost.

DBP Roro Interisland race 2009
 

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Regional Director Mary Ann Armi Z. Arcilla said that since the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), which is a pet project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was established and inaugurated, many passengers from Iloilo City to Metro Manila have preferred to travel by it.

Arcilla said that the passengers from Iloilo City traveling the SRNH are enjoying the combined bus and Ro-Ro vessel trips along the provinces of Antique and Caticlan, Aklan and Roxas, Mindoro to Batangas City and finally to Pasay and Cubao.

In Caticlan, Aklan, there are three Ro-Ro vessels owned by Montenegro Lines, Starlight and Phil. Harbor that ply the Eastern Link 24 hours.

But Arcilla said that aside from Ro-Ro vessels plying Caticlan to Mindoro to Batangas, there are also eight Ro-Ro vessels of Tristar and Montenegro plying the port of Dumangas in Iloilo province to Bacolod City which belongs to the Western Link.

Arcilla said passengers also prefer the SRNH route because they are able to transport their farm products on the bus or Ro-Ro vessels without paying much for their cargo and hiring stevedores.

Because of this, many businessmen have been encouraged to put up restaurants and stores along the SRNH route as noticed especially in Antique province, for the passengers making stopovers.

She said the establishment of restaurants and stores along the way is a good sign that even the local businessmen are now benefiting from the project of the President.

Arcilla added that continuous improvement of the road network is also being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways to provide convenience and smooth traveling to the Ro-Ro passengers.

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