• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The operations of the commercially-managed port in Manapla, Negros Occidental, which was initially announced to start by June 28, has been postponed.
In a statement, the Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arrastre (MPSA) said the postponement until further notice aims to further enhance its system and services and to ensure that all operational measures strictly adheres to safety and efficient standards.
MPSA is the operator of the privately-owned port in Manapla.
The port, located in Barangay Punta Salong, will offer roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ferry services going to Ajuy Port in Iloilo via Lite Ferries Shipping Company.
The Lite Ferries Shipping Company is also targeting to open another route, from Manapla Port to Concepcion Port also in Iloilo, MPSA said.
Compared to port charges in Bacolod ports, the rates of Manapla port will be cheaper, Dave Sarrosa, one of the MPSA investors, earlier said.
MPSA is designed as an inclusive development with facilities built for the end-user and managed by the community. | GB
