Cebu — The Cebu Provincial Board unanimously backed a proposed Roll‑On/Roll‑Off port here during its June 22 out‑of‑town session, endorsing a project that promises to revolutionize trade and tourism on Bantayan Island. The ₱290‑million facility targets a direct sea link to Panay.
A Direct Sea Link to Panay
The planned route aims for Estancia, Iloilo, cutting the current multi‑island journey to a single 2.5‑hour crossing. Today, trucks laden with eggs and pork must endure three separate RORO trips and long land transits across Cebu, Negros, and Panay. The new port eliminates two of those sea segments.
Mayor Romeo Villaceran said the municipality has secured an Environmental Compliance Certificate, Protected Area Management Board clearance, and a feasibility study with full project design. The Cebu Port Authority has reviewed the plans and requested only minor budget adjustments to reflect current material costs.
Unlocking the Egg Basket
Bantayan Island produces between one million and 2.8 million eggs daily, earning its title as the Egg Basket of the Visayas. Madridejos alone supplies poultry products to mainland Cebu, Metro Manila, and Iloilo. The town also moves significant volumes of pork to neighboring provinces.
Despite this output, logistical bottlenecks erode profit margins and limit expansion. A direct RORO route would stabilize supply chains, reduce spoilage, and open fresh market opportunities for local producers. The mayor projects monthly poultry revenues could quadruple from ₱10 million to ₱40 million once the port is operational.
Political and Financial Hurdles
The project is not new. A previous Capitol administration had approved ₱210 million and awarded a contract, but the initiative stalled after a change in leadership. Madridejos is now resubmitting the proposal under Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who has expressed initial support.
Land Bank offered to finance the entire construction through a municipal loan, but Villaceran declined, preferring grants to avoid long‑term debt. The Department of Transportation inspected the site and may consider funding by 2027, though officials used the cautious Visayan term “tinguhaan,” meaning they will try.
Economic Ripple Effects
The port will be built in Barangay Poblacion and will include a wet and dry market and a water treatment facility within the complex. These add‑ons aim to maximize economic returns and improve the quality of life for residents. The mayor expects significant revenue sharing with the provincial government.
Local fishing families, who make up 80 percent of the population, stand to benefit as fish yields in municipal waters have declined. The port gives them access to tourism‑related livelihoods and alternative markets, easing pressure on overfished grounds. The facility is designed to spark a broader economic pivot for the island.
Beyond Poultry: Tourism and Livelihood
Tourism operators see the direct Iloilo link as a catalyst for visitor traffic. Bantayan Island’s white‑sand beaches and laid‑back atmosphere become more accessible to Panay residents and international tourists arriving via Iloilo. The shorter travel time encourages spontaneous weekend trips.
The out‑of‑town session itself signaled the province’s commitment to decentralizing development. With legislative backing now secured, the municipality moves closer to transforming a long‑delayed vision into a concrete gateway that serves both commerce and community.
