An Iloilo City-based shipping company will open a new route to make travel between the islands of Negros and Panay faster and more convenient.

The shorter route from E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental to Ajuy in Iloilo and vice versa is set to be launched by F.F. Cruz Shipping Corporation (FFCSC) on Friday, March 25.

The launch will jump off in E.B Magalona Port (Barangay Mantaangan) ay 10:00 in the morning, followed by ceremony in Ajuy Port (Barangay Bay-ang) at 3:00 in the afternoon.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) director Tiburcio Canlas, Department of Trade and Industry (DIT-6) director Rebecca Rascon, and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-6) director Meylene Rosales are expected to attend the launching ceremony in Ajuy.

With the opening of the E.B Magalona-Ajuy route, travel time will be reduced to 1 hour and 20 minutes from 2 hours and 20 minutes, according to FFCSC.

“In effect, it also offers more economical and predictable sailing times as compared to other available routes,” it said.

“Aside from the local industrial producers, and logistics companies, tourists traveling to other areas in the Visayas region will also experience a more convenient travelling journey via this route,” FFCSC added.IMT