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TACLOBAN: The Maasin City government in Southern Leyte is upbeat about addressing port congestion in the province following the opening of a new sea route between the city and Lipata, Surigao del Norte. In a statement Monday, Mayor Nacional Mercado said the new route would give cargo truck operators options to reach their destinations in Luzon and Mindanao, even with the ongoing rehabilitation at some ports in the province. 'For the longest time, Surigao del Norte has been accessible from Southern Leyte through the existing San Ricard, Liloan, and Padre Burgos ports. This is another option and opportunity for our travelers, especially cargo movers,' Mercado said. He added that the opening of the Maasin to Lipata route is timely as the Padre Burgos port will undergo rehabilitation this year. "We are working hard to ensure the sustainability of cargo shipping operators operating their services in the city and in the province as well," Mercado added. On Feb. 1, 2024, the cargo vessel LCT Josie Fe 01 of RLS Shipping had their first trip between the two islands. It ferried 20 wing vans, six sports utility vehicles and 15 motorcycles. Aside from cargo, RLS Shipping Lines also announced its plan to operate a fast craft servicing the Limasawa-Maasin-Cebu route, the mayor said. "We are looking forward to this development, and we hope that it will be implemented sooner for faster travel by our tourists and to help boost the tourism industry and the economy of the province," he added. Before the opening of the Maasin-Lipata route, the city port had an existing cargo shipping operation to and from the southern Leyte capital and Cebu City. Source: Philippines News Agency