BACOLOD City — Ferry boats operating from Old Sagay Port to Carbin Reef, Suyac Island, and other nearby islets in Sagay City, Negros Occidental have resumed operations following the issuance of special permits by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region 6.
The move restores a vital transport link for residents, workers, and tourists traveling to and from the city’s island communities and eco-tourism sites.
The Sagay City government welcomed the development, emphasizing the importance of ferry services in ensuring access to key destinations.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said MARINA issued nine Safety Certificates and nine Special Permits to Sail for boats servicing routes to Suyac Island and Carbin Reef. Meanwhile, three Safety Certificates and three Special Permits were granted to operators serving Molocaboc Island.
The permits allow ferry operators to resume trips after a temporary suspension due to compliance issues.
City Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Helen Iavier Arguelles explained that the suspension stemmed from the strict implementation of the nationwide “no permit, no sail” policy enforced by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Northern Negros Occidental.
She noted that some operators were unable to renew their permits on time despite prior coordination with MARINA.
The Sagay City government also acknowledged MARINA Region 6 Regional Director Engr. Bernardo Pollo, Franchising Head Atty. Nicole Marie Amuan-Arpa, and the mobile team led by Engr. Von Floyd R. Aranaz, Senior SOS Maritime Safety Services, for facilitating the issuance of the permits.
Mayor Cueva stressed that reliable transport services are essential not only for tourism but also for sustaining livelihoods and ensuring island communities have access to basic goods and services.
“The resumption of ferry operations supports our local economy while reinforcing our commitment to environmental protection and safe travel,” he said.
The special permits are valid from April 2 to May 1, 2026, while operators continue processing their Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC) for long-term authorization./PN
