By Emmie V. Abadilla The Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), re-opened the Davao to Manila Passenger Shipping Route the on October 28, 2018, with the maiden voyage of 2GO Group Inc. (2GO)'s main vessel, St. Michael the Archangel. The re-establishment of ferry operations from Davao to Manila will address the lack of an accessible sea route to the public for the past 10 years. Notably, the Marina has been batting for the reopening of passenger shipping operations to serve the Manila-Iloilo-Zamboanga-General Santos-Davao routes to give passengers a cheaper transport option. A one-way air trip ticket from Manila bound for Davao City in Mindanao and vice versa costs between P3,000 – P5,000. On the other hand, a sea trip ticket serving the Manila-Mindanao passenger ship routes, like Manila to Davao, costs P2,600. Now, the passenger shipping route enhances connectivity and mobility between Luzon and Mindanao, giving people more travel options and lowering the prices of goods between the islands. “It is imperative that we establish public sea transport routes from Manila to Davao and other ports across the country," stressed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. On the same day, the PPA also inaugurated the new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) at the Sasa Port in Davao that will provide a convenient and comfortable experience to port passengers. The PTB features a pre-departure waiting area, screening areas, and clean comfort rooms for passengers. It is also equipped with air-conditioning units, CCTV cameras, fire alarms, Wi-Fi, passenger benches and X-ray machines.