Travel between Bacolod and Iloilo set to resume

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Sea transportation between the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo will resume soon after Mayor Evelio Leonardia accepted the arrangement announced Tuesday by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Leonardia said that “In view of the quarantine status prevailing in Bacolod and Iloilo and the expressed willingness of Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas to start the resumption of sea travel between the two cities, I hereby inform all concerned of our acceptance of the arrangement effective immediately.”

Leonardia further said this is premised on the expected strict observance of existing NIATF health protocols and subject to further agreements that may be made in the scheduled meeting called by government agencies.

He said the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coastguard and the Philippine Ports Authority, Iloilo City, Bacolod City and shipping companies are set to meet today, Oct 15, 2020.

“It has always been the position of our city that interconnection between our ports is an economic stimulus, subject only to how we scientifically and wisely balance it with our health priorities.”

Treñas on Tuesday issued an executive order allowing the resumption of travel from Bacolod City to Iloilo City effective Wednesday.

Travel between the two cities had been suspended due to the upsurge in COVID-19 cases in both areas.

Frank Carbon, adviser of Weesam Express, said they may resume their operation early next week yet.

Carbon said that from 19 fastcraft trips between Iloilo and Bacolod in a day, he expects only six since they do not see a surge in passengers.