Pola–Batangas ferry service expected to launch by Holy Week

After several years of having few options for sea transportation in Oriental Mindoro, a new ferry route between Pola and Batangas City is set to open by Holy Week, which will be towards the end of March. This new route is expected to be a huge boost to the province.

According to reports from local authorities, the ferry service will be operated by Island Water in partnership with the local government of Pola. Mayor Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz has confirmed that the preparations for the new ferry route have already begun, including the inspection of the port area. Officials from Island Water, members of the media, and personnel from the local government recently visited Pola Port to determine the location of the ticket booth, waiting area, and docking area.

Preliminary reports show that the ferry will have an estimated capacity of 80 to 90 passengers per trip using an open-air ferry. The travel time from Pola to Batangas City will take approximately three hours, depending on the sea conditions.

The ferry service will run twice a day, giving passengers the option to travel either in the morning or in the afternoon. Online booking will also be available through the official website of the service operator, making it easier for passengers to book their seats in advance.

The estimated initial fare will be slightly higher than ₱800. However, this may be reduced depending on the number of passengers. Mindoro residents will also enjoy a 40 percent discount, which may greatly help in reducing travel expenses for locals.

The new Pola-Batangas route is expected to give better access to Luzon for people from Oriental Mindoro. At present, most people take routes that depart from other ports like Calapan. Having a direct route from Pola might shorten travel time for people from nearby towns.

For many Mindoro residents, especially those around Pola, this new route may make traveling to Batangas easier. Currently, most people still have to go to Calapan or other ports to take a ferry ride. A direct Pola-Batangas route would save time and may even cut down on extra expenses for overland travel.

Local officials are also optimistic that this new waterway will not only carry people. It may also help local businesses transport their goods faster and even bring in more tourists to visit the place. Having easier access to Batangas may bring in tourism and new business opportunities. There are even talks of expanding routes in the future to other places such as Romblon and Marinduque if this new route becomes successful.

As things push through, government bodies such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority are expected to handle safety and port matters. Residents are advised to wait for official announcements regarding the final details of the schedule and fares. If all goes well as planned by Holy Week, the Pola-Batangas ferry route may soon become a vital new transportation route for Mindoro.