DAVAO CITY – The first-ever fastcraft in Mindanao made its maiden voyage on Thursday from this city to Lupon in Davao Oriental, providing a faster alternative in traveling between the two points.

The M/V Danspenta 1, a state-of-the-art fastcraft from Japan, is making a head start for tourism between this city and Lupon.

During the blessing of the fastcraft, Araceli Ayuste, chairman of the Mindanao Tourism Council (MTC), expressed gratitude that the fastcraft will now make tourism in Davao Oriental more alive.

“We are thankful that traveling is now easy with the fastcraft. Now, it will also be easy for us to promote Davao Oriental and all its tourist spots, such as its cascading falls, hot springs, and beaches,” she said.

The 110-seater fastcraft will make the usual three-hour road trip to Lupon to only a little over an hour voyage.

Its fare ranges from P300 for the sundeck, P350 for the air-conditioned economy class, and P400 for the business class.

It goes to and from Davao City and Lupon thrice daily – 7:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m – at theSta. Ana wharf, this city.

Captain Michael Lasa, harbor master of the Region 11 office of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA 11) here disclosed that the setting up of the system was conceived more than two years ago through a sisterhood agreement between Davao City and Lupon.

He also added that this is a response to the call of President Arroyo to establish a strong nautical public highway in the region. “Through this, we can boost the port development in Lupon,” he said.

Commodore Lino Dabi, district commander of the Region 11 office of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG 11), and Lisa Orongan of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) both expressed confidence on the security of sea transport, ensuring that travel by sea will be always be safe and secure and even environment-friendly, and that the fastcraft passed the security and safety tests of both agencies.

Meanwhile, Councilor Pilar Braga, chairman of the committee on transportation, is grateful that after several committee hearings, the project was finally realized.

“This is a welcome development for the city and its neighboring provinces because through this, we may be able to contribute to the growth and development of Mindanao,” she said.