THE Manapla Port Stevedoring & Arastre (MPSA) in Barangay Punta Salong, Manapla, will start operating on June 28, 2025 with its trips from Manapla Port, Negros Occidental to Ajuy Port, Panay and vice versa through Lite Ferries Shipping Company.
The management said the Lite Ferries will deploy bigger and faster vessels for the convenience and safety of passengers and cargo with an On-Time-Travel-Policy.
Lite Ferries fleet will navigate daily from Manapla Port to Ajuy Port at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., while the Ajuy Port to Manapla Port trip schedule is 4 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., the management added.
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.
The management 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.
These routes are faster, better than other sea vessel routes, very advantageous to passengers and bigger spaces for cargo transporters. 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.
They will manage and operate the passenger’s terminal canteen, toilet and bath and lodging facility for truck drivers. MPSA links the route to tourism industry, livelihood and nation building, the management added.
Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante earlier expressed its support for the operation of the MPSA in Barangay Punta Salong.
Escalante said it has been their dream to have a port in Manapla, and they have been waiting for many years to materialize the project.
He noted that previous administrations had attempted to develop the port, but strong opposition had consistently stalled progress, including during his tenure.
“With God’s grace, this time, we’ve seen that the project is already there. We commend the MPSA officials for making this port a reality for the people of Manapla. We also promise the local government’s full support,” he added.
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)