• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Passengers and shippers will soon enjoy the shortest travel time from Negros to northern Iloilo, with the operation of the Manapla Port in Barangay Punta Salong by private group Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arrastre (MPSA) Estate.
Blessing of the port and its facilities was held Feb. 1 and will start operating on April 1, Dave Sarrosa of MPSA said, adding that their group invested around P180 million for this project that will link Manapla to Ajuy, Iloilo with estimated travel time (ETT) of 45 minutes, and Manapla to Concepcion, Iloilo for an ETT of 55 minutes.
All permits have been secured; the training of port staff is ongoing, and details for the MPSA card system being finalized, he added.
The MPSA Manapla Port can provide similar service, or even faster, than other ports, with facilities designed for the end-users and managed by the local community, as well as an efficient fast customer service with the MPSA card system, the company, composed mostly of businessmen from the 2nd District of Negros Occidental, said.
Travel time savings will directly contribute to business growth, unlocking new economic opportunities, with traders, sugarcane farmers, and fisherfolk expected to benefit from the expanded market access, it added.
Sarrosa said they chose the Lite Shipping Corp., which operates the Lite Ferries, because of their innovative and clean ships.
Jethro Nathaniel Imboy, head of Commercial Operations of Lite Shipping Corp., said at the blessing that they will initially deploy the Lite Ferry 25 for the Manapla-Iloilo route, which can accommodate up to 12 heavy trucks.
“As demand increases, we will deploy a bigger and faster vessel, ensuring greater efficiency and improved service for passengers and shippers,” Imboy said, adding that their company remains committed to provide safe, efficient, and reliable sea transport.
“We believe that by improving inter-island accessibility, we contribute to the growth of the community, tourism, and trade across the Philippines,” Imboy said as he noted that the Manapla-Iloilo route completes the western nautical highway, which links Batangas to Panay, Negros, and Mindanao, further enhancing inter-island connectivity.
Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante III said the local government is fully supportive of the port project, adding the town will also benefit from its operation in terms of fees and taxes, expected at about P4 million annually.
Councilor Mika Escalante, meanwhile, said the port is not only for private investors. “This will also improve the livelihood of Manapla residents, open new business opportunities for entrepreneurs, and ensure closer ties with other local government units.”
“This project is a very big prospect for all of us. With the birth of the port on April 1, we will also spearhead other businesses to open,” she stressed, adding the port operation will help a lot with Manapla now as a first-class municipality. | CGC
