Fastcat Ferries, the mobility we deserved
Mga Ka-isla, as a frequent traveler we always craved for comfort, fast and reliable service we deserved when traveling that is why I am a very avid passenger of Fastcat Ferries whenever I travel to and from Cebu to Bacolod (via Toledo and San Carlos).
So as a Bol-anon laagan it was with much delight when I learned that Fastcat is now serving trips from Jagna (Bohol) – Balbagon (Camiguin) – Opol (Cagayan de Oro).
There was an instance when I was invited by a friend to her wedding in Davao and as a Field coordinator by day I was doing my work in Ubay, Bohol that time. So I planned to travel going to Davao by Jagna – Cagayan de Oro without knowing that the ferry operator cancelled their trips to Cagayan de Oro months ago already. So to cut the long story short, I was not able to attend the wedding of my friend.
Instantly when Fastcat made its first voyage to the seas of Cagayan de Oro via Jagna, Bohol the first questioned that really caught my mind during the media launched was “Will Fastcat stay for good?”
(Fastcat fare and tariffs for Jagna-Balbagon-Opol trip)
Fastcat is operated by Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation which also runs Bus transit like Jam Liner and Philtranco which aims to be the industry leader and standard setter in terms of ferry transportation business. Fastcat’s vessels are Catamaran type which means the ship consist of 2 hulls which can be sail or engine-powered. The catamaran type of vessel is best suited for our seas and weather condition which makes it stable and safe. They are a RO-RO (roll on, roll off) type of vessel which means they can bring in at least 34 cars and 7 trucks or buses making business and leisure trips more convenient.
The notable thing about fast cat is they have an elevator for PWDs (Persons with disability), their engine rooms are clean and the personnel are very much accommodating. The vessels are also new which has an operational span of 45 years, state of the art navigating systems and a snack bar that offers the best delicacies of the island. Aside from that, when I asked the personnel of the trip going to Cagayan de Oro they have a staff house in Camiguin which means when they stop at Balbagon Port they change their crew giving them time to rest after the next trip back to Jagna. A company that values their staff and crew in such a very humane way deserves an extra plus point for me in choosing a company to travel with.
What more to expect about the Trip?
Right now Fastcat is just operating one vessel plying from Jagna – Camiguin – Cagayan de Oro but is planning to add more schedules and vessel when demand increases. Aside from that trip, they also have daily trips from Tubigon – Cebu and will be adding another trip from Ubay – Leyte. Which means mobility within the island of Bohol to other parts of the country will be more convenient.
Currently they have more than 20 trips all over the country and trips going to Malaysia.
Next time, when planning your next get away, try to check if Fastcat Ferries is available for your trip. Aside from a very safe and fast trip sure is I can guarantee its convenience.