Panay and Negros Islands will be connected by a new route opened by F.F. Cruz Shipping Corporation (FFCSC) through the ports located in Brgy. Manta-Angan, E.B. Magalona and Brgy. Bay-ang, Ajuy.

The missionary route was formally inaugurated on March 25, 2022 with a ceremony at E.B. Magalona Port followed by an afternoon ceremony in Ajuy Port attended by key personnel from the regional line agencies and local government units. The NEDA VI staff along with EDC Chairperson Mr. Francis Gentoral attended the said activity and joined the historical maiden voyage for the new route.

This shorter RoRo route with an estimated port-to-port transfer of less than 1 hour and 20 minutes offers more economical and predictable sailing compared to other available routes. Aside from the local industrial producers and logistics companies, tourists traveling to various destinations in the region will also experience a more convenient journey.

“What was once a dream has now become a symbol of success of the people of EB Magalona,” said Engr. Erwin Cunado, Municipal Planning and Development Officer of EB Magalona

Mayor Jett Rojas of the Municipality of Ajuy, expressed that there is a need for the government to make things happen and help investors as it will lead to more taxes and employment of constituents.

EDC Chairperson Gentoral emphasized the importance of the Ease of Doing Business to provide the private sector an easier time in transacting permits and documents. “It is the advocacy and the program of the Regional Development Council VI that the programs and projects of the government are interconnected and properly coordinated,” he added.

In support of the RoRo route and the complementary developments in the area, the Regional Development Council VI passed RDC resolution no. 57, s. 2019 endorsing to DPWH and DTI the construction of the Ajuy Industrial Road under the Roads Leveraging Linkages of industry and trade (ROLL IT) Convergence Program. The proposed road project includes the concreting/upgrading of JNR – Barangay Bay-ang Road and the construction of Bay-ang Coastal Road with seawall.

“Let us continue to work together to implement more projects to maximize the benefits of our new transport link. We call for further collaboration through a Whole-of-Government approach. We have to assist our private stakeholders to connect more island communities, increase the mobility of the population, and enhance local trade and tourism,” said NEDA VI Chief EDS Marlon T. Jinon during his closing message on behalf of RD Meylene C. Rosales./RADeJuan, NEDA6