Sagay–Bantayan route to boost tourism, trade links

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Sagay–Bantayan route is expected to boost economic and tourism opportunities for Sagay City.

This is according to Atty. Ryan Bonghanoy, economic enterprise development officer of the Sagay City government.

Bonghanoy told Daily Guardian that the Sagay City–Bantayan route will position Sagay as an alternate gateway in Northern Negros for passengers and cargo, given its strategic proximity to growth centers such as Cebu via Tabuelan, Panay Island via Estancia, and Metro Manila via Batangas.

He added that in terms of tourism, “We can serve as a jump-off point for Sicogon and Boracay via Estancia, and Sta. Fe in Bantayan, and in the process, tourists may consider staying in Sagay City to experience our sustainable community-based tourism practices.”

For industries, Bonghanoy said, “Our feeder port has been envisioned to cater to the needs of industry locators in our economic zone for their product shipments and logistical requirements.”

“All of these will greatly impact our economic growth and benefit our constituents,” he added.

Bonghanoy said Bethlehem Shipping Corp., which will establish and operate the route, will begin operations once it secures approval from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

“Hopefully, they will be able to secure that in the coming months,” he said.

He added that the ship operator informed him they are currently applying for an authority and certificate of public convenience from MARINA offices in Regions 6 and 7.

“Once granted authority, they will launch their initial voyage,” Bonghanoy said.

He clarified that a steel-hull passenger craft—not a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessel as previously reported—will ply the route.

The vessel can carry passengers and motorcycles, similar to those operating on the Pulupandan–Guimaras route.

It can also transport loose cargo, he added.

He said the current users of the port include a RORO vessel servicing the Tabuelan–Sagay and Tabuelan–Sagay–Estancia routes, along with cargo vessels for molasses and sugar shipments.

Earlier, Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said he met with Capt. Nelson J. Ynion, president of Bethlehem Shipping Corp.

Cueva said the shipping firm formally expressed its intent to operate the Sagay–Bantayan Island route, specifically from Old Sagay to Sta. Fe.

Bantayan Island is located in Cebu province, while Sagay City sits on the northern coast of Negros Island.

Bantayan is known for its white-sand beaches and is a popular tourist destination in Cebu.

“This plan will allow the transport of passengers and motorcycles, and will eventually open doors for trade and tourism between Northern Negros and Cebu,” Cueva said.

He added that they also discussed the possibility of exporting sugar directly from Sagay, allowing local retailers access to broader, even international, markets.

Cueva said the initiative presents an opportunity to introduce Sagay products to Bantayan and vice versa — such as eggs from Bantayan, and seafood or farm goods from Sagay.