Local government-run LCT Isla de Pitogo had as its first passenger Gov. Edgar Chatto on her maiden voyage from Tapal Port in Ubay to Popoo Port in the island municipality of Carlos P. Garcia (CPG).
CPG Mayor Fernando Estavilla with Chatto led ribbon cutting rites for the blessing of LCT Isla de Pitogo Vessel and the inauguration of Isla de Pitogo Ferry Services at Popoo Port on Tuesday last week.
They were joined by former mayor and now councilor Tesalonica Boyboy, Vice Mayor Renato Sente, Cong. Aris Aumentado, Ubay Mayor Costan Reyes, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Manager Engr. James Gantalao, PPA Ubay Carina Apalisok, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Lt. Col. Ericson Laza, and Southern Star Branch Manager Efren Balinas.
Gov. Chatto congratulated Pitogo and expressed excitement to share to Bohol the developments in Pitogo.
When Chatto started his term as governor in 2010, Pitogo was first beneficiary of major program that is the HEAT caravan that brought together agencies of government and the private sector to deliver services.
As he closes his term this year, he is back in Pitogo for many exciting developments.
He said the ferry service opens development opportunities for CPG, especially in stimulating economic activities that demand transport, mobility and connectivity.
LGU Pitogo also had rescue vehicles, garbage collector and the new Popoo terminal facilities blessed by Rev. Fr. Pablito Saludes and Rev. Fr. Jocelito Eronico.
Mayor Estavilla thanked the governor who he said was truly instrumental in this milestone for Pitogo as Chatto supported the LGU in lobbying for the project to be approved by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Former Mayor Boyboy and Mayor Estavilla admitted approaching the governor for support after agencies denied their project request three times.
As tokens of appreciation, Estavilla handed out Pitogo seedlings to guests. The municipality wants to be known for its Pitogo trees that they have also planted along its main roads.
The ferry is named after such trees. Pitogo is also the former name of the island municipality, which is accessible from mainland Bohol via Ubay.
Popoo-Union trips are at 5:30am, 9:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm while Union-Popoo trips are at 7:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, and 8:00pm.
The LGU has also set fares at P30.00 for passengers, P24.00 for senior citizens, P20.00 for students, and P10.00 for children. For 2-wheel vehicles the fare is at P80.00; P500.00 for 4-wheel vehicles; P1,500.00 for 6-wheel vehicles; P3,500 for 10-wheel vehicles. (EDCOM)