Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to encourage more shipping lines to operate the Matnog-Northern Samar route amid rapidly growing number of passengers.
Dizon said this following his inspection at the Matnog port together with Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago, Senate President Chiz Escudero and Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor.
Dizon also directed the MARINA to fast track the processing of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) for shipping lines applying to provide service in this route.
Based on data, the PPA said that the current vessels operating in the Matnog-Northern Samar route are not enough to service the growing number of passengers, especially during peak season.
The PPA-Port Management Office Bicol placed the normal daily average passenger traffic at 2,000 at the Matnog port. As the Election 2025 comes close, the number of passengers has gone up to 8,500 daily average since May 3, 2025.
In addition, a modern Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) with higher passenger capacity and vehicles with new facilities will be put up in Matnog. Included in the PTB terminal are overhead walkways that will connect to the terminal to the RORO ramp.
The visiting officials also agreed to continue the second phase of the Sorsogon RORO terminal complex to increase the capacity and facility of the port.
