MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Port Authority (PPA) general manager Atty. Juan C. Sta. Ana has led the launching of the Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) service connecting the ports of Nato to Caramoan in Camarines Sur and Codon, in San Andres, Catanduanes.

Sta. Ana said that the ferry service of MV Calixta 3 in the ports around Lagonoy Gulf would attract bus operators, haulers, traders, and tourists as land travel from Metro Manila to Codon, San Andres, Catanduanes via Nato Port would be cut by two hours than the trip from Manila to Codon via Tabaco Port.

Sta. Ana is optimistic that this route would attract more foreign and local tourists to enjoy the pristine and white Boracay-like beaches of Caramoan and Catanduanes.

The new route is also consistent with the 2011 Regional Development Plan, particularly in enhancing water transport through strategic RoRo ports linking Catanduanes, Caramoan, Codon, and Nato.

The construction of the port of Codon is currently being undertaken by DoTC while the RoRo ramp would be completed by 2012.

Rep. Noli Fuentebella (4th district, Camarines Sur) thanked the PPA through GM Sta. Ana for its assistance, the latest of which is the construction of Elise Point Lighthouse in Bgy. Patitinan, Sagnay, Camarines Sur.

“The maiden voyage of MV Calixta 3 is a historic event and jumpstarts the further development of Camarines Sur,” said Fuentebella.

The Port of Nato features a PPA-constructed RoRo ramp. Along with eight other municipalities, Nato and Caramoan are under the jurisdiction of the Partido Development Administration.

Another port in Siruma has been constructed by PPA that includes a RoRo ramp.

Sta. Ana also signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA), renewing the continued management and operation of the Nato Port by the PDA for another 15 years.

With the opening of the RoRo operations, the MoA extension will boost PDA’s marketing promotion as well as the current traffic of the Port of Nato.

Sta. Ana stressed that the only way for the country to develop is to link its islands to enable faster transport and exchange of goods and services.

He also congratulated Gov. Cua for fostering the commercial ties between Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, initially through this pioneering ferry route. Regular trips would start in May this year when the vessel for this route arrives from China.