New sea link boosts Central Visayas tourism triangle
OSLOB, CEBU—Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is pushing for a stronger tourism alliance among Cebu, Dumaguete City and Siquijor following the launch of a new direct ferry route connecting the three destinations.
Baricuatro on Friday underscored the importance of interisland connectivity during the inauguration of the Asian Marine Transport Corp.’s (AMTC) newest sailing route linking Oslob, Cebu; Larena, Siquijor; and Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.
She said the new route could help build a stronger tourism network among neighboring provinces while creating more economic opportunities for local communities.
“I’m always excited for new routes like this because it connects not just people, but communities, as well as opportunities,” Baricuatro said during the launch in Oslob town.
“As a province surrounded by beautiful islands and world-class destinations, connectivity is very important for Cebu,” she added.
Economic growth
Baricuatro said easier travel between Cebu, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental could boost tourism activities across Central Visayas, particularly in southern Cebu destinations such as Oslob, Moalboal and Badian.
“The easier we make travel for the people, the more we open doors for tourism, investments and economic growth not only for Cebu, but also for our neighboring provinces like Siquijor and Negros Oriental,” she said.
The governor also emphasized the broader impact of tourism on local livelihoods, noting that improved accessibility could benefit small businesses, transport operators, food establishments, and communities dependent on tourism.
“I think this is also a reminder that sometimes the best way to grow is simply to make it easier for people to visit each other,” Baricuatro said.
AMTC officials said the route was envisioned as part of a broader tourism and economic corridor linking southern Cebu, Siquijor and Dumaguete.
“We recognize the importance of establishing a stronger and more accessible link between southern Cebu and the neighboring islands of Siquijor and Negros Oriental,” said Paul Rodriguez, chief operations officer of AMTC.
Rodriguez said the route is intended to strengthen what the company envisions as a “tourism and economic triangle” in the region.
He added that AMTC also aims to position southern Cebu not only as a transport hub but as a tourism gateway connecting travelers to nearby island destinations.
The launch coincided with the opening of the passenger terminal at Mainit Port in Oslob.
