(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Monday, 07 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

New ferry route connects Cebu, Maasin, Surigao City

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- A major milestone in inter-island connectivity in the Philippines was achieved on September 4 as OceanJet launched a new fast ferry service linking Cebu, Maasin, and Surigao City.

The service utilizes the M/V OceanJet 15, a mono-haul, medium speed fast craft. With a cruising speed of 23 knots and a passenger capacity of 202, the vessel offers swift and comfortable journeys for travelers. 

The ferry operates on a daily basis, with convenient schedules allowing for same-day travel between all three destinations. M/V OceanJet arrives at the Port of Surigao City from Maasin at 1:00 PM and departs after a 30-minute port stay, significantly reducing travel time compared to traditional sea routes or land travel options. This ferry provides residents of these areas with more flexibility for inter-island travel, whether for work, education, or family visits.

OceanJet has introduced competitive pricing for the new route, making it accessible to a wide range of passengers. Fares start at P800 for tourist class/open air and P1,200 for business class between Maasin and Surigao City. For the Cebu-Maasin route, fares are slightly higher at P1,100 and P1,600, respectively. 

The introduction of this fast ferry service is expected to deliver significant impact in the region. Improved connectivity will likely stimulate trade and commerce between the three cities and their surrounding areas.  (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA- Surigao del Norte)