By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Bacolod City Administrator John Orola said the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is scheduled to inspect the city’s first floating restaurant, which will soon operate along the Sum-ag River between Barangays Sum-ag, Cabug, and Punta Taytay. He noted, inspections should have been conducted this week but, due to the poor weather conditions, they were moved to August 31.
The city official said the delay allows them to secure other needed documentation required for operation.
He pointed out, Marina certification is needed as they are assigned in looking into the “sea worthiness” of the floating restaurant.
Meanwhile, a bidding will also be conducted in order to determine an operator for the restaurant.
Orola added, they are hoping the blessing for the vessel will be done next month as they are targeting fully-operational status by October in-time for this year’s MassKara Festival.
Last May, the city administrator claimed the floating restaurant would have its maiden voyage either by Bacolod City’s Charter Day celebration, June 18, or the San Juan Festival, June 23
In addition, despite acknowledging other floating restaurants operating throughout the country, such as the highly-touted floating restaurants along the Loboc River in Bohol, Orola insisted, “This project will be the first of its kind.”
The P3.4-million floating restaurant is capable of accommodating at least 30 people./DGB, WDJ