ORION, Bataan—Starting April 1, the ferry service from this port directly to the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City via Manila Bay will resume.

Bataan Second District Rep. Albert Garcia announced that Aboitiz Shipping Lines will deploy its Super CAT ferry boats to ply the Orion–MOA route.

The resumption of the ferry service here is expected to be patronized by Bataan residents with the trip directly bringing commuters to MOA, the biggest shopping center in Metropolitan Manila. The solon said there will be ticketing offices to be put up in RCPI offices in Bataan, particularly in Balanga City, to enable the commuters to get ticket reservations easily. There will also be minibuses and jeepneys to ferry passengers from Balanga City to Orion and vice versa.

Travel time from Orion port to MOA is approximately 45 minutes, which is shorter than taking a trip by land.

Until two years ago, four companies were operating the route at a loss.  They were Oceanfast Ferries Inc., Prestige Cruises, Sun Cruises Inc. and Aboitiz.

Officials here are further studying schemes to make the ferry service more enticing to commuters.

Residents here lauded the solon for his serious effort in convincing the Aboitiz Shipping Lines to operate a ferry service in the province.

The modern Orion port was constructed through the joint efforts of Gov. Enrique Garcia, the Philippine Port Authority and the congressman.

The port here is being converted into a roll-in, roll-out facility to accommodate bigger ships that could transport heavier cargoes and vehicles.

To date, the MOA is the biggest mall SM has built with a gross floor area of 386,244 square meters.