Manapla Targets PHP10M from New Seaport Operations

By Glazyl M. Jopson

MANAPLA, Negros Occidental – The municipal government of Manapla in northern Negros Occidental expects to generate an estimated PHP10 million in annual revenue with the launch of the Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arrastre (MPSA) in Barangay Punta Salong.

Operations are set to officially begin on June 28.

Mayor Manuel Escalante III announced the development during a press briefing at the port on Saturday, highlighting the project’s potential to spur economic growth and create jobs for the local community.

According to Escalante, building a port had long been part of the town’s development vision.

“We have been waiting for this. We’re excited and optimistic,” he said.

Escalante emphasized that the port was built through private investment, with no public funds spent.

“The local government didn’t spend for this project. We have nothing to lose—only progress and prosperity to gain,” he added.

He said MPSA had secured all the necessary permits for port operations.

“We’re thankful that despite the challenges, they did not give up and took the risk,” he said.

Escalante also noted that the incoming administration, to be led by his daughter following the June 30 transition, will introduce a new revenue code to complement port operations.

The facility will launch operations in partnership with Lite Ferries Shipping Company, which will operate a route between Manapla Port and Ajuy Port in Iloilo, cutting travel time to just 1.5 hours.

The new route completes a key link in the emerging nautical highway connecting Negros Occidental and Panay Island.

Investor Dave Sarrosa said the port will initially operate one roundtrip voyage every six hours.

A second vessel is expected to arrive within two months, increasing service frequency to one trip every three hours.

“It’s a shorter and more efficient route,” Sarrosa said, noting the port’s open-access design and readiness to meet rising cargo and logistics demands.

He added that port charges will be 20 to 25 percent lower compared to Bacolod Port, with competitive shipping rates and lower logistics costs.

The final rate structure will be released soon.

Spanning three hectares, the port also has plans for expansion, with an additional 15 hectares allocated for warehousing and logistics development, Sarrosa said.

Community participation is a core feature of the port’s operations.

Arlene Astrologo, a representative of local farmers and vendors, said members will be allowed to operate canteens selling local delicacies and native products.

Fisherfolk leader Jerry Beduya of Bantay Kasag said their group was tapped to help maintain cleanliness at the port, providing them with supplemental income.

“It’s a big opportunity for us,” he said.

The local Teachers’ Cooperative was also entrusted with running a canteen and given a chance to invest in small-scale business.

“This port has been a long-held dream for many of us in Manapla,” said one cooperative member. “Now it’s finally happening—and we’re truly grateful.”

Earlier, MPSA announced a second route connecting to Concepcion Port in Panay, with a travel time of approximately 55 minutes.

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