The proposed cruise port in Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City could become a “new gateway” that would expand opportunities for the locals. (travelandtourworld.com photo)
By CESAR JOLITO III
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is eyeing Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City as a potential site for a new cruise ship port, a development that could strengthen the city’s position as one of the province’s fastest-growing tourism hubs.
PPA officials, led by Engineer Rodel Lagmay, port manager of PPA-Negros Occidental and Bacolod, met with Sipalay Mayor Maria Gina Lizares on September 17 to present the proposed project.
Two possible site locations were identified: the Campomanes Ecoport and the former industrial port in Barangay Cartagena, which once supported a mining operation.
The project comes amid Sipalay’s steady rise as a tourist destination.
Lizares said the cruise port could become a “new gateway” that would expand opportunities for Sipalaynons.
“This initiative has the potential to open more doors not only for our local businesses but also for our people who are engaged in tourism-related services,” Lizares said.
City Tourism Office data showed that the city recorded 214,942 overnight visitors in 2023, which grew further to 224,093 in 2024, including 11,238 foreign tourists.
Before the creation of the Negros Island Region, Sipalay ranked as the fourth most visited destination in Western Visayas in 2024, next to Boracay, Iloilo City and Antique.
Silay City Tourism Officer Jerick Lacson echoed this, noting that the proposed port could accelerate the city’s tourism growth by stimulating demand for hotels, restaurants, transport, and community-based attractions.
“Such a development will bring more income not only for enterprises but also for farmers, fisherfolk and producers who support the tourism value chain,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
He added that the benefits of the project would ripple beyond Sipalay to neighboring towns in southern Negros, including Cauayan, Hinoba-an, Candoni, Ilog, and Kabankalan City.
However, Lacson underscored that sustainability would remain central to Sipalay’s tourism strategy.
“Rest assured that we remain committed to sustainable tourism. While this development offers exciting opportunities, we will ensure that growth is balanced with the protection of our natural resources, the well-being of our communities, and the preservation of Sipalay’s identity as a premier ecotourism destination,” he stressed.
If realized, the Sipalay cruise port would mark a significant milestone for southern Negros Occidental, positioning the city not only as a leading ecotourism destination but also as a strategic entry point for international and domestic cruise tourism./CJ, WDJ