Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) is urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to authorize a barge trip to Mindanao via the Tambobo Port in Siaton town, addressing the challenges posed by the San Juanico Bridge repair crisis.

According to Philippines News Agency, NOCCI President Edward Du expressed their strong backing for the motion for reconsideration filed by E-Motion Logistics Services with the DOTr. This comes after the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) denied its application for a special permit for the proposed Siaton-Dapitan route.

Du highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that MARINA's failure to ease application requirements for the MV Ocean 6 LTC vessel amid the current state of calamity is disappointing. The application was declined because some criteria were not fulfilled, including the need to convert Ocean 6 from a glamping vessel to a cargo liner.

The proposed Siaton-Dapitan route emerged last month as a solution for trucks stranded due to the three-ton weight limit imposed during the San Juanico Bridge's rehabilitation. Du mentioned that the shipping company submitted the motion for reconsideration last week, accompanied by a letter of endorsement from NOCCI to DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, anticipating a response this week.

Du emphasized the strategic significance of the Siaton-Dapitan route in alleviating congestion for trucks diverted to the Amendayahan roll-on, roll-off port. This route would also reduce traffic in Dumaguete City and surrounding areas where trucks headed to Mindanao are waiting for available barge departures.

E-Motion Logistics Services assured in its motion that if granted the permit, it will comply with MARINA's safety and seaworthiness standards, Philippine Coast Guard inspections, and standard crew safety and emergency protocols.