New Negros Navigation to make Iloilo as its hub

By Erly C. Garcia

Negros Navigation is well and alive. This was the assurance made by Mr. Sulficio Tagud , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Negros Navigation Co. dispelling rumors that the shipping company has closed shop.

In a press briefing over the weekend, Tagud admitted that Nenaco was severely affected by the financial crisis of 1997-98 that resulted to the slowing down of its operation last year. But now Nenaco is back “with full force, full capacity, and with stronger resolve to serve the riding public.”

Tagud said that while the company slowed down operations last year it took the opportunity to rehabilitate and repair its other vessels.

This year 2005 the New Negros Navigation will be having a full fleet service of ten vessels , eight passenger and two cargo, that will serve the public.

Tagud said the revitalized Nenaco will make Iloilo as its hub of operations. He said with the new strategy half of their fleet will use Iloilo port as jump off point to other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao .

Ray Fuentes, Senior Vice President for Passage, Sales and Marketing, said they have chosen Iloilo to become its hub because Iloilo is strategically located in the center of the archipelago.

He likewise noted that Iloilo is a significant part of the history of Nenaco being one of its first ports of call back in 1932.

“This will greatly benefit Iloilo through more visitors, more shopping and other collateral businesses,” Fuentes said.

Tagud said the New Negros Navigation will also offer a new experience among travelers.

“We wanted to make an NN ship not only a carrier of passengers but will provide travelers an experience. They will be entertained and there will be lots of activities. We would like to make sure that their 19 to 20 hours of travel is not a boring travel,” said Tagud .

Tagud also mentioned that the New Negros Navigation will also give much attention on the food being served to passengers and its hotel and housekeeping service.

He added , they are also aiming to become a shipping company with the cleanest toilet.

“In totality we wanted to be known as a customer-oriented shipping company not only in words but also in deed,” Tagud said.

In the aspect of security, Tagud also claimed that NN is the safest liner in the entire country.

“We strictly adhere to the guidelines imposed by MARINA and the Coastguard, we do not compromise,” Tagud said.