• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Despite some hitches, Mayor Manuel Escalante III is optimistic that the operation of the Manapla port in Negros Occidental would start soon.
“All the Manaplanahons are excited for the operation of the port because it will boost our economy. The rice trading will be faster from Panay to Negros Occidental,” Escalante said.
The Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arrastre (MPSA) port in Punta Salong will complete the new nautical route from Manapla, Negros Occidental to Panay via the Ajuy Port and Concepcion Port in Iloilo under the Philippine Port Authority.
The travel time between ports is approximately 55 minutes.
Escalante said it has been a dream of Manaplahanons to have a port in Manapla, which they have waited for years to materialize.
MPSA is designed as an inclusive development with facilities built for the end-user and managed by the community.
It aims to provide not just livelihood but overall human development.
“With God’s grace, this time, we’ve seen that the project is already there. We commend the MPSA officials for making this port a reality for the people of Manapla. We also promise the local government’s full support,” Escalante said.
The Lite Ferry roro vessels will cater to passengers from Manapla, Negros Occidental to Ajuy and Concepcion, Iloilo and vice versa.
This will have much shorter travel time for even those from Bacolod City, the mayor said. | GB
