Manapla Port to Open New Ferry Routes to Panay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arrastre (MPSA) in Barangay Punta Salong, Manapla, Negros Occidental, will begin full operations on June 28.

To mark the opening, MPSA will launch a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry route connecting Manapla Port to Ajuy Port in Iloilo, completing a key segment of the nautical highway between Negros Occidental and Panay Island.

Operated by Lite Ferries Shipping Co., the route cuts travel time to just 1.5 hours, making it the fastest and most direct sea link between the two provinces.

The service is expected to ease the movement of passengers and cargo across the region, MPSA said.

Lite Ferries will deploy larger, faster vessels under its On-Time-Travel Policy, prioritizing comfort and safety.

Daily trips from Manapla to Ajuy are scheduled at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., 7 p.m., and 1 a.m.

Return trips from Ajuy to Manapla will depart at 4 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m.

A second route connecting Manapla Port to Concepcion Port in Panay is set to launch soon, with an estimated travel time of 55 minutes.

In addition to transport services, MPSA is advancing local development by offering amenities such as a canteen, sanitary facilities, and lodging for truck drivers.

These facilities are managed by local women’s cooperatives in partnership with the Manapla municipal government.

The initiative is expected to generate jobs, boost tourism, and drive regional economic growth.

The PHP180-million Manapla Port was officially blessed on Feb. 2.