An estimated 10 million sea passengers are set to benefit from government fare subsidies as the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) rolls out the Layag or Lakbay Alalay ng Gobyerno Program, starting today, May 25, with the Liloan, Santander, Cebu – Sibulan, Negros Oriental and vice versa route included in the rollout.
In response to fluctuating fuel prices driven by global energy disruptions, the program aims to ease the burden on commuters who rely on maritime transport, while sustaining the operations of ship and boat operators, Marina said in a statement.
Under the Layag program, the government will provide fare subsidies to participating operators covering approved fare increases on 11 identified high-traffic and essential routes.
These include Liloan, Santander, Cebu – Sibulan, Negros Oriental vice versa, Batangas – Puerto Galera vv, Batangas – Calapan vv, Jordan Wharf, Guimaras – Parola Wharf, Iloilo City vv, Buenavista Wharf, Guimaras – Parola Wharf, Iloilo City vv, Sta. Rosa, Olango Island – Angasil, Brgy. Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City vv;
Zamboanga City – Basilan vv, Sta. Cruz, Talicud Island – Poblacion Kaputian (Igacos) vv, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands vv, Socorro, Surigao del Norte – Hayanggabon, Surigao del Norte vv, and Socorro, Surigao del Norte – Dapa, Surigao del Norte vv.
The program will be participated in by 33 shipping operators, supporting 93 passenger vessels operating along these routes, the Marina said.
The subsidy will be computed based on actual passenger volume per trip, and approved fare differentials under Marina regulations, ensuring that passengers continue to pay only the pre-increase base fare while operators are compensated through government support.
Marina said it will closely coordinate with ship operators, regional offices, and partner agencies to ensure swift rollout, with subsidies released based on verified passenger data and transparent audit procedures.
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan stressed that the program is anchored on compassion for commuters affected by rising costs, adding the subsidy-based initiative is under the government’s Service Contracting Program. ||
