A new inter-island sea travel connecting Negros and Panay islands is set to official launch on June 28.
Operated by the Management of Manapla Port Stevedoring & Arrastre (MPSA) in partnership with Lite Ferries Shipping Company, the Manapla-Ajuy ferry route promises significantly shorter travel times between Negros Occidental and Panay, offering a major boost to regional commerce, tourism, and connectivity.
The new route will drastically cut travel time between Manapla Port in Negros Occidental and Ajuy Port in Panay to a mere 45vminutes.
This new route is being hailed as the “latest and nearest route” to efficiently facilitate passenger and cargo transit, offering a compelling alternative to existing, lengthier sea vessel routes.
MPSA said Lite Ferries will deploy bigger and faster vessels to ensure the convenience and safety of both passengers and cargo, operating under an “On-Time-Travel-Policy.”
The daily departures from Manapla Port to Ajuy Port will be at 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 1:00 AM. Meanwhile, trips from Ajuy Port to Manapla Port will be at 4:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
The MPSA Port is located at Punta Salong, Manapla, Negros Occidental.
Beyond improved logistics, MPSA emphasizes its commitment to local community development. The initiative is designed to create livelihood opportunities, working in tandem with the Municipality Government of Manapla through women’s cooperative projects. These cooperatives will manage and operate the passenger terminal’s canteen, toilet and bath facilities, and lodging for truck drivers, fostering local economic empowerment.
