The Clarin government is optimistic that after the rehabilitation of its port, which was badly damaged by the 7.2-magnitude quake that jolted Bohol in 2013, fastcraft companies will start to operate in the town.

According to Clarin Mayor Ray Allen Piezas, having fastcraft trips in the town would benefit passengers going to and from Cebu, particularly those living in and near the municipality.

Piezas said that passengers from nearby towns such as Danao, Inabanga, Sagbayan, Carmen and Dagohoy would no longer need to travel far to get on the fastcraft or as they disembark.

He noted that this would also help fill up the Clarin local government unit’s (LGU) coffers, particularly when the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) moves to help push the initiative.

The mayor also speculated that having fastcraft operations in Clarin would decongest the Tubigon port, Bohol’s second busiest wharf next to the Tagbilaran City Tourist Port.

However, Piezas admitted that it would take some time before the plan materializes as the LGU is still overseeing the rehabilitation of its pier.

Approximately P39 million has already been spent in the restoration of the damaged port which was being funded by the PPA and through the Aquino administration’s bottom-up budgeting.

Phase 1 of the rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by October this year, allowing barges carrying cargo trucks to dock in the Clarin port.

After the completion of Phase 1, the mayor intends to seek assistance from the Department of Transportation and Communication in widening the Clarin port to accommodate more cargo vessels. (Allen Doydora)