ILOILO City — The Guimaras provincial government is open to reviewing a proposed increase in passenger fares for fiber boats plying the busy Guimaras–Iloilo City route as transport operators seek relief from surging fuel prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Operators serving the inter-island crossing are pushing for a P10 to P15 fare hike, citing the recent spike in petroleum prices and rising administrative costs that have increased the burden on boat operators.
Guimaras’ Gov. Lucille Nava said the provincial government is willing to study the request but emphasized that any adjustment must go through consultations with stakeholders before a decision is made.
“That one we need to sit down first. Dapat tan-awon kay dapat may proper communication between mga operators kag officials. We’ll see kun ano mahimo,” Nava said.
Nava stressed that authorities must carefully balance the concerns of boat operators struggling with higher operating expenses and the welfare of commuters who rely on the route daily.
“Basta tandaan niyo lang, whatever we do, it will be for (public) good and we meet halfway para indi man matam-an ang aton transportation sector. Kag proteksyonan ta man ang aton mga Guimarasnon,” she added.
The governor recalled that a similar request for a fare increase had been raised in the past but was opposed by local officials to protect commuters.
“There was an instance nga nag-amo na, pero that time ang response namon kag sang mga mayors, nag-write kami opposition sa Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Wala na nag-take effect ang hike kag gin-maintain namon ang plete,” she said.
The Guimaras–Iloilo route remains one of the busiest short sea crossings in Western Visayas, carrying thousands of daily passengers including workers, students, and traders traveling between the island province and the regional center.
Local officials said consultations with operators are expected to determine whether a fare adjustment is warranted as global fuel prices continue to fluctuate./PN
