To address long queues and prolonged waiting times at local ports, the Provincial Government of Guimaras convened a high-level consultative meeting with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region 6 and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Guimaras.
Led by Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., and Congressman JC Rahman A. Nava, M.D., the dialogue tackled the root causes of commuter congestion at the Jordan, Buenavista, and Parola wharfs, focusing heavily on vessel compliance and operational bottlenecks.
Key discussion points:
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Operational Bottlenecks: Authorities identified the temporary non-operation of several ferries—driven by simultaneous dry-docking, expired compliance certificates, and the strict enforcement of the “No Permit, No Sail” policy—as the primary cause of passenger delays.
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Streamlined Processes: MARINA Region 6 reported that vessels underwent necessary inspections as certificates approached expiration, and committed to expediting document releases once regulatory requirements are fulfilled.
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Data-Driven Solutions: The Provincial Government requested comprehensive updates on vessel certifications, compliance timelines, and peak-period passenger volumes to improve scheduling and inter-agency coordination.
To build on these discussions, the Provincial Government will maintain close collaboration with maritime regulators and scheduled meetings with local ferry operators to address industry-wide concerns and implement sustainable solutions.
The consultative meeting brought together key regional and local officials, including:
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Engr. Bernardo Pollo, Regional Director, MARINA Region 6
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Atty. Nicole Marie Amuan-Arpa, Technical Operations Division Chief, MARINA Region 6
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Engr. Von Floyd R. Aranas, Senior SOS, MARINA Region 6
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PCG Guimaras Representatives: LTJG Benedict Angelo Gloriani, LTJG Leomer Magbanua, LTJG Eduardo Delfin, SN1 Joseph Inocentes, and ASM Eben Catague
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Provincial Officials: Atty. Carissa Ann Enaño (Provincial Administrator) and Atty. Jose Ricsan Tormon (Provincial Legal Officer)
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Congressional Office: Atty. Khen Tamdang (Legislative Staff Officer)
