Double berthing of watercrafts will no longer be allowed in Pasig River and West Breakwater of South Harbor to give way for the seamless operations of the Cavite – Manila Ferry Services and Pasig River Ferry Services.
A circular order was signed by Admiral Joel Garcia, Philippine Coast Guard commandant, to prohibit double berthing in the areas, repealing the 2007 order allowing double berthing.
Garcia announced Wednesday that only single berthing will be allowed along Pasig River and West Breakwater of South Harbor effective 15 days after its publication and filing of certified copy at the University of the Philippines Law Center.
The commandant said the move was in compliance with the order of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade “as a major initiative for the river’s rehabilitation and decongestion.”
“We have to remove obstructions such as double berthed barges and other watercrafts along Pasig River for the smooth movement of ‘water jeepneys’,” Garcia said.
“This will provide efficient, convenient, and comfortable water transportation for the riding public, especially now that we just inaugurated the Cavite – Manila Ferry Services and re-launched the Pasig River Ferry Services,” he added.
With this, owners and operators of double berthed barges along Pasig River were urged to move out as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
“Secretary Tugade instructed us to tow non-compliant barges and other watercrafts, specifically along Delpan Street in Binondo, Manila. We urge stakeholders to cooperate with the government and help us in improving mobility and connectivity in the nation’s capital,” the commandant warned.
The move, Garcia said, was in cooperation with the city government of Manila, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. (Betheena Kae Unite)
