SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The floating library MV Doulus Hope will again dock at the San Fernando International Seaport, Poro Point, this city, from March 7 to 24.

LA Union Gov. Raphaelle Veronica ‘Rafy’ Ortega-David (right) meets representatives of GBA Ships as rolling library MV Doulos Hope is set to arrive at the San Fernando International Seaport, Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union. (Photo via Freddie Lazaro)

La Union Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David said that the return of the iconic ship is one of the significant highlights of the ongoing Ayat Fest 2024, a celebration of La Union’s 174th founding anniversary.

David thanked GBA Ships, the operator of MV Doulos Hope headed by its project managers Oliver Dawson and Emmanuel Chiwala, for bringing the rolling bookstore back.

She said the ship promotes literacy and cultural exchange by providing access to educational resources, especially in underserved communities.

“The MV Doulus Hope’s return symbolizes not just a voyage but also a continuation of a long-standing partnership between the provincial government of La Union and all kaPROBINSYAnihan in bringing ‘knowledge, help, and hope’ not just in the province but to other communities and nation as well,” David said.

The ship last visited the country in February 2012 with over 5,000 titles for sale at a fraction of the cost. The ship had a crew of about 56 nationalities

Four months later, MV Logos Hope, a predecessor of MV Doulos, arrived as an ambassador of goodwill and international relations at Poro Point and stayed from May 22 to June 4, 2013.

MV Doulos Hope visited this city in 1996, 2000, and 2001 and for this year, it will dock in three Philippine ports from March to April.

The vessel docked at Subic Bay Rivera North Wharf Port from February 13 to March 3.

It is on way to this city and will be berthed from March 7 to 24 and dock in Manila on March 28 to April 3 and Batangas City from April 16 to 28.