Dumaguete: Delivery trucks bound for Mindanao have congested a major thoroughfare leading to the port in this capital city over the weekend, following the drydocking of one vessel, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) here said on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of the PCG-Negros Oriental Station, explained that the trucks were awaiting their scheduled boarding of roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels to the port of Dapitan. “They already have tickets and some of them have departed, but the activity has slowed down after the M/V Evaresto was drydocked after its last trip here on Aug. 22,” Enopia stated. The M/V Evaresto had the capacity to carry a maximum of 18 trucks per trip.

Many of the delivery trucks were reported to be transporting parcels from Manila and Batangas. At least one truck was noted to be fully loaded with motorcycles, alongside several other cargo vehicles that lined the Looc By-pass Road on both sides in recent days. Some trucks were also seen along Flores Avenue, although this area was less crowded compared to the bypass road.

Enopia mentioned that a vessel scheduled for dry dock for preventive maintenance typically takes about a month. Currently, seven trips are departing the Dumaguete Port for Dapitan Port. The Dumaguete Port has become an alternative route for Mindanao amid the repair of the San Juanico Bridge.