BACOLOD City – New roll-on/roll-off routes were introduced, connecting Manapla town in Negros Occidental and Ajuy and Concepcion towns in Iloilo.
On Saturday, February 1, the blessing for the Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arastre (MPSA) in the town’s Barangay Punta Salong was held.
The port will open in April 1, 2025, making travel between the two provinces easier and more convenient with Lite Shipping Corporation’s RoRo vessel.
Mayor Manuel Escalante III said the locality has fulfilled its dream to have its own port through the initiative of a private firm, linking the province of Negros Occidental to the towns of Ajuy and Concepcion in Iloilo.
The direct link between the two provinces will attract investors and facilitate economic opportunities, the mayor said.
“The new port is expected to generate around P4 million every year on the local revenue, boosting the local economy,” said Mayor Escalante.
For his part, Lite Shipping commercial operations head Jethro Nathaniel Lim Imboy said the estimated travel time from Manapla to Ajuy is 45 minutes and 55 minutes from Manapla to Concepcion./PN