- Vessel operations at Bicol ports, particularly between Tabaco in Albay province and the island of Catanduanes, resumed on November 3 with the departure of Typhoon Rolly
Vessel operations at ports in Bicol restarted on November 3 following the departure of Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni), according to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
MARINA Regional Office No. 5 in Legazpi City said vessel operations from Tabaco Port in Legazpi, Albay province to San Andres and Virac ports in the island province of Catanduanes, and vice versa, resumed on November 3.
M/V Starferry plies the Tabaco Port to San Andres Port while M/V Eugene Elson caters to passengers travelling from Tabaco Port to Virac.
Vessels depart from Tabaco Port from 7:30 a.m. until 12 midnight daily, while trips departing from San Andres start at 6:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Meanwhile, arrivals at San Andres Port start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 a.m. the next day, while arrivals at Tabaco Port begin at 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. the next day.
Passenger rates from Tabaco Port to San Andres are P150 for children, P240 for senior citizens and students, and P300 for regular passengers on the Mabuhay (air-conditioned) class. For non-air-conditioned accommodations, children are charged P150, senior citizens and students P184 and regular passengers, P230.
Cargo rates from Tabaco Port to San Andres range from P18 to P180 depending on the type of cargo, while roll-on/roll-off rates range from P330 to P1,690 depending on the type of vehicle.
Earlier, the government said most ports and airports in areas affected by typhoon Rolly have resumed operations by November 2.
Typhoon Rolly made its first landfall on November 1 in Catanduanes and then in Tiwi, Albay; San Narciso, Quezon, and Lobo, Batangas on the same day. Rolly was upgraded to a super typhoon on November 1 and then downgraded back to typhoon on the same day. It weakened further to a tropical storm on November 2 prior to exiting the country on November 3.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, as of November 3, the cost of the damage inflicted by Rolly on roads, bridges, flood-control structures, and public buildings is estimated at around P5.76 billion.
