Sagay eyes Bantayan Island RoRo shipping route

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – A roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) shipping company is looking to establish a Sagay City–Bantayan Island route to boost trade and tourism in the area.

Sagay City Mayor Leo Raphael Cueva posted on the city government’s official “I Love Sagay” Facebook page Tuesday that he had a productive meeting with Capt. Nelson J. Ynion, president of Bethlehem Shipping Corporation.

Cueva said the shipping firm formally expressed interest in establishing a Sagay–Bantayan Island route, specifically from Old Sagay to Sta. Fe.

Bantayan Island is located in the province of Cebu, 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, giving retailers access to wider and even international markets.

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

He also requested Capt. Ynion to write a formal letter of intent and coordinate with Atty. Ryan Bonghanoy for the necessary processes and dialogues with the Philippine Ports Authority.

“Our LGU is also preparing for port development in Old Sagay in anticipation of this promising route,” Cueva said.

He emphasized that the project will not only boost tourism and economic activities but also strengthen connections between islands and communities.

“Sagay is ready to connect, collaborate, and grow with the rest of the Visayas,” Cueva added.