DAVE Sarrosa, one of the investors of the Manapla Port Stevedoring & Arastre (MPSA) in Barangay Punta Salong, Manapla, Negros Occidental, said they will impose cheaper rates at the port, which will officially open on June 28, 2025.
He said the first rate is the port charges, which will be cheaper than Bacolod port, and the second rate is the rate that will be implemented by their shipping partner, the Lite Ferries Shipping Company.
"It's part of our partnership to offer rates that is very competitive," he added.
Sarrosa noted that they will announce the rates within this week.
Sarrosa said this is only the first phase and they can accommodate two vessels with one-round trip every six hours.
Sarrosa added that in the next two months, they will add another vessel to accommodate the cargo logistic market as well as passengers going Panay Island.
MPSA will start operating on June 28 with its trips from Manapla Port, Negros Occidental to Ajuy Port, Panay and vice versa through Lite Ferries Shipping Company.
MPSA is designed as an inclusive development with facilities built for the end-user and managed by the community. It aims to provide not just livelihood but overall human development.
Sarrosa said the MPSA Port in Punta Salong is the final link completing the new nautical route from Manapla, Negros Occidental to Panay via Ajuy PPA Port, and sailing soon another route between Manapla Port going to Concepcion Port, also in Panay.
He said these routes are faster, better than other sea vessel routes, very advantageous to passengers and bigger spaces for cargo transporters.
Ge added that it is designed for the end-user by providing livelihood opportunities to the local community, working together with the Municipality Government of Manapla through women’s cooperative projects.
Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante said the operation of MPSA will bring more development, including a livelihood to various sectors.
"It's has been our dream to have a port in Manapla, and we've been waiting this for many years to materialize the project," he said.
He added that MPSA also secured permits for the operation of the port.
Escalante said all the Manaplanahons are excited for the operation of the port because it will boost their economy, and the rice trading will be faster from Panay to Negros Occidental. (MAP)