BUTUAN CITY – The Port Management Office (PMO) Surigao welcomed the maiden port call of MV St. Francis Xavier on Friday at Jubang Port in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

The MV St. Francis Xavier of 2Go is a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) and passenger ship that measures 150.87 meters in length with a beam of 25 meters.

PMO Surigao said the vessel’s measurement was a significant test for the new port's infrastructure.

“The inaugural port call served as a crucial trial to evaluate the operational readiness of Jubang Port before its regular passenger and RORO cargo services,” PMO Surigao said in a statement.

The maiden call was solely for operational purposes, with no passengers disembarking or cargo unloaded.

All passengers and freight on the vessel continued to their original destinations at the ports of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte and Ozamiz City.

“The trial focused on essential port operations, including docking maneuvers, embarkation procedures, and ramp deployment. These are critical tests to ensure the facility can safely handle regular maritime traffic,” the PMO Surigao said.

Weather permitting, the main voyage of 2Go from Manila is expected to arrive in Siargao on Nov. 11, as a tropical cyclone that is forecast to reach super typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this weekend.

Inaugurated last year, the P620.6-million international port was one of the major port projects of the Department of Transportation, implemented through the Philippine Ports Authority.

It is built to accommodate visiting cruise ships and is part of broader efforts to boost tourism in Siargao Island and the entire Surigao del Norte.