Why we need a RORO?
We cannot fully belabor this enduring issue as it is at the core of the problems besetting the tourist industry.
Everybody in Puerto Galera is talking about it, is in agreement with it and thinks it’s needed. However, it seems no one is doing anything to get a RORO ferry running the Puerto Galera-Batangas route, a reality. Everybody seems resigned to whatever will be the decision of whoever will have the courage to make this happen.
Frankly speaking, that is generally how the majority of Puerto Galera businessmen now think. Do what you can for your business and go with the flow. Do not cause a ripple as it might affect your business. This passive behavior might not be the most prudent nor does it make good business sense especially when tourist arrivals continue to decline.
Why do we need a RORO? The simple answer would be because many tourists prefer riding a RORO than an outrigger ferry especially those that come in with their family. There are also times when the waves are frighteningly choppy that even experienced sailor would opt to board the RORO than risk his life on what has been called a “floating coffin”.
Another reason is transport of commodities. Essential goods and products are delivered onboard trucks via RORO to Calapan and then, travel 50 kilometers to Puerto Galera. This makes prices go up to cover for the transportation cost. Hence, prices of commodities will be cheaper by having a RORO that goes straight to Puerto Galera.
So why is there no RORO? The simple answer would be, it is not financially viable, yet. The RORO is losing to the outrigger ferries. The operating cost of a RORO is 10 times higher than a wooden-hull vessel. Moreover, the outrigger ferry can dock at the beachfront making it more accessible to tourists than the RORO which can only dock at Balatero pier.
The solution is obvious. Make the RORO profitable. How? Rally the resort owners and local businessmen to support the RORO. This does not mean that whoever will do this is out to kill the wooden ferry business. There is plenty of business for everyone, for the RORO and for the wooden ferries. We just need a slice of the cake to sustain the RORO. By doing this, we widen the market of Puerto Galera; we can attract more family tourists and travelers have a safer alternative even during stormy seas.
Adding a RORO Bus, like the one that Montenegro Shipping Lines offer will dramatically increase the benefits to tourism. Imagine boarding a bus in Manila, the bus boards the RORO, the bus arrives at Balatero Port and rolls out of the ferry for a short drive to White Beach, Puerto Galera. That would solve many of the problems associated when traveling to Puerto Galera. No more hassles at the pier. Traveling would be easy and stress-free.
Next question is: When do we do this? Soon, I hope very soon.
8 Comments
Sewerbang
On commodity transport and securing a slice of the cake for the RoRo: Supply currently comes from Calapan and the customer/vendor relationship is also between PG and Calapan and can run quite deep because of supplier credit.
The Puerto Galera to Batangas customer/vendor relationship needs to be established before the goods can start rolling on and off a dedicated RoRo ship. Also business in neighboring municipalities would need to look into sourcing from Batangas instead of Calapan.
The highest value shipment is probably gas/diesel/LPG. Is a tanker truck allowed on the RoRo? Could the PG gas station(s) take the lead and source from Batangas instead of Calapan and make some extra profit? How about the main dry goods store? Is there a better deal out of Batangas? What about beer? Will it flow from Batangas or Calapan?
The obvious questions are to suggest that a RoRo bottomline would predominantly come from the transportation of goods which are much less subject to seasonal fluctuations (beer in high season, cement in low season). The RoRo is slow and lands at BALATERO, which is perfect for goods but not the place where tourists will feel that they have, WOW, arrived on the beach.
Lastly, instead of empty trucks returning via RoRo to Batangas it might be worth thinking of what bulk goods could Puerto Galera, San Isidro (not Calapan) deliver to Batangas. Marble? Mineral Water? Hogs? Veggies?
netmagus
The travel time of last RORO ferry was not really slow. It was 1.5 hours, slower by 10 mins. than the outrigger ferry. It was roomy and comfortable ride. The tourists that were onboard were generally satisfied. I don’t think they mind the travel time. They feel safe, that is the most important.
Sewer Bang
agree netmagus, 10 min more for the crossing doesn’t make the difference. It’s the frequency (how often would the RoRo depart compared to the ever present outriggers) and proximity to final destination (if I’m headed to WB, or Muelle or Sabang nothing beats hopping straight onto the beach and then a few steps to the quarters) that add an hour or two for the RoRo. I think the RoRo can go slower, save on fuel and still capture the goods transport , bad weather and safety conscious passengers. In the end I would always avoid the murderous habalhabal ride from Balatero to WB or Sabang. The outriggers I feel are are much safer and more pleasant than any sidecar contraption. Can the RoRo sail at night (with radar/nightvision and all)? I’d love that. Depart PG after dinner, speed up to MNL w/o traffic and arrive home at 1 a.m. Or leave MNL Friday after work and catch the last RoRo departing at 10:15. That would be cool, especially if bringing the car on the ferry costs about as much as the parking fee at the Batangas Terminal. Do I have to pay EUF for the car if I bring it along? What are the proposed rates for taking the RoRo?
Noe Lineses
I remember during the meeting of the SB with Montenegro that they (montenegro) offered to “rent” their roro to us. We take care of everything and just compensate Montenegro for the rental of the roro.
Kees Koornstra
The big dilemma we have is the roro need to be fully loaded not to loose money,the outriggers are not save and comfortable,and a fast craft ticket will cost more,the only way to get an investor who will run fast crafts is that the outriggers have to be banned by Marina.During high season they can do more trips.Also it is not needed to have every hour a ferry going just have a schedule and leave exact on time so people can plan their trip
Noe Lineses
I still believe that the RORO can co-exist with the outrigger ferries. PG is a big market Kees.
Kees Koornstra
Maybe another reason the mayor is not really trying to get the roro ”rolling” he is from Victoria and he just drives to Calapan and get on the ferry
Boy Prangka
Tanong lang bakit mas mahal ang pa puerto mula batangas kesa batangas pacalapan? Samantalang ang Calapan ay di hamak na malayo ang milyahe kesa papuntang puerto. Napaka simple po nyan pero hindi maipaglaban ng ating Mayor at Sanggunian Bayang walang pakinabang!