Government officials led by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Tuesday (10 December 2019) launched an important inspection and possible clearing operation of “illegally parked” tug boats, barges and similar water-borne crafts to ensure the safe and smooth operation of the Pasig River Ferry System which was relaunched Monday.

Department of Transportation (DoTr) Sec. Arthur Tugade, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Roy Cimatu, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danny Lim, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. Jun Densing, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Admiral Joel Garcia, and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago were also on hand.

Said inspection was accordingly intended to remove “obstructions” in a similar way that clearing operations are done by government units to ease traffic on land.

Officials are highly convinced the Pasig River Ferry if managed and run carefully, could be the best alternative and faster route for Metro Manila commuters in getting home and reporting for work. (BENJIE CUARESMA/IAMIGO)