City dad contemplates to push ferry-service-system ordinance in Puerto Princesa

Councilor Henry Gadiano is mulling over passing an ordinance for a ferry service system in Puerto Princesa.

Gadiano stated in an interview with the media this could serve as an alternative means of transportation in the city, most especially now when tricycles are being banned from national highways.

“Di ba ang tricycle medyo nabawasan ‘yan, puwede nating i-consider ‘yong ferry. Sa ngayon sa medyo nangyayaring balita tungkol sa transport natin na medyo nababago nang konti, maaaring matingnan natin ‘yan sa isang banda. Pero ito hindi naman ito siya katulad ng tricycle na kantu-kantohan kundi talagang by station. Halimbawa galing ka ng baywalk may direksyon na papunta ng Tiniguiban o papunta ng Sicsican [o] papunta siguro ng Sta. Monica ‘yong mga ports diyan. Alam ko dito sa may bandang Sandiwa, dito sa may baba ng City Hall banda puwede diyan,” said Gadiano.

Gadiano said water-based transportation may also help ease up the city’s traffic congestion.

However, Gadiano stated it is important that Mayor Lucilo Bayron first agrees with the idea before he passes it as a proposed ordinance to the Council.

“Kailangan sabihin niya na, ‘O sige suporthan natin ‘yan.’ Kami kasi nasa legislative tayo, wala naman tayong exective [power]. Hindi tayo nag-i-execute ng program, [kundi] tayo ay nagpapanukala. Kaya ‘pag sinabi ni mayor, ‘Maganda ‘yan i-push natin iyan.’ ay papasahan ko ng ordinansa. Kumbaga sa ano, tinitimbang natin ngayon, tinitimbang natin,” he said.

He further stated if this ordinance indeed comes to fruition, one of its provisions may include that the City Government builds and provides ports for the ferries.

Gadiano said the City Government will then encourage the private sector to engage and invest in this mode of transportation service.

“Mas maganda ‘yong ferries natin private pa rin. Ang city kasi nandiyan lang para i-level lang ‘yong playing field. Ibig sabihin bigyan natin ng chance ‘yong ating mga private businesses na gawin ‘yon, pero susuporta ang city. Pero kung magagawa ‘yan, ang city nandiyan lang sa likod,” said Gadiano.