An important link in the Philippines’ trans-island transportation system has been restored with the resumption of ferry routes between Liloan, Southern Leyte and Surigao City.
FastCat, a major operator of catamaran ferries in the Philippines, resumed trips between Liloan and Lipata port in Surigao City on October 20.
This maritime route, which takes three hours, is a vital link from Luzon and Visayas to Mindanao.
Local officials have expressed hopes that the reopening of the Liloan-Surigao ferry route will revitalize Liloan’s economy, which had been badly affected by the weight limits imposed on Liloan Bridge.
The bridge was closed to heavy vehicles in 2025 after structural concerns prompted authorities to impose a 5-ton load limit to ensure public safety while engineering assessments and rehabilitation works were carried out.
This has resulted in both the ports of Liloan and San Ricardo, long vital hubs in Southern Leyte, inaccessible for heavy vehicles who have to use other ports in Leyte Island to cross to Mindanao.
However, the 15-ton load limit on the bridge was restored last July, once again paving the way for trucks and buses to access the port.
Liloan Mayor Jonna Adan said the resumption of sea connectivity is more than the return of a passenger and cargo route.
It presents an opportunity to restore livelihoods, attract travelers, stimulate commerce, and breathe new life into businesses that have struggled amid prolonged disruptions in transportation.
“Our town is heavily dependent on the maritime industry. One by one, ferry operators have pulled out their operations after restrictions were imposed on the Liloan Bridge, preventing heavy cargoes from passing through,” Adan said.
FastCat Captain Mark Saladino also expressed relief at the resumption of the route, saying they also suffered losses when operations stopped early last year following restrictions imposed on the Liloan Bridge.
Saladino expressed optimism that the resumption of ferry services would bring life back to the maritime corridor and help restore Liloan’s economic activity after nearly two years of diminished commercial movement.
While the resumption of operations marks a positive development, sustained economic recovery will depend on the continuity of ferry services, improved transport accessibility, and the ability of local businesses to benefit from the renewed flow of travelers.
Southern Leyte Vice Governor Rosa Emilia Mercado admits restrictions on the Liloan Bridge have affected the economy of all the municipalities on Panaon Island, making the transportation of goods and services a challenge.
“We have been pushing for concerned government agencies to fast-track repairs on the bridge so our municipalities can fully restore their port operations and open back commerce to the island,” Mercado said.
(With report from PIA/OpinYon News Team)
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