Commuters and cargo operators crossing between Dumanjug, Cebu and Guihulngan, Negros Oriental will benefit from reduced ferry fares beginning Sunday, May 11, 2026, after Island Shipping Corporation filed a formal fare adjustment notice with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office VII. The company attributed the downward revision to a recent decline in fuel costs, which directly influence the operating expenses of its vessels.
Background on the Fare Adjustment
The formal notice, dated May 10, 2026, was submitted to Engr. Ronaldo P. Bandalaria, Regional Director of MARINA Maritime Regional Office VII, located in Lahug, Cebu City. The document was signed by Dee Gabisay, Operations Manager of Island Shipping Corporation, whose main office is situated at A.T. Tan Centro Road, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.
The adjustment covers the Tangil, Dumanjug, Cebu to Bulado, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental route — and vice versa — encompassing both passenger ticket prices and rolling cargo rates. The revised schedule applies to crossings in both the northbound and southbound directions along this maritime corridor.
Updated Passenger Fare Schedule
Under the new rate table, a regular passenger will now pay ₱370.00 per trip — down from the previous fare level. Reduced rates are also in place for the following passenger categories:
- Senior Citizens (with valid ID): ₱264.30
- Students and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) (with valid student ID or study load slip): ₱296.00
- Children aged 11 years old and below: ₱185.00
These discounted rates are consistent with applicable Philippine laws governing fare concessions for senior citizens, students, PWDs, and minors. Passengers are advised to carry valid identification or supporting documents when availing of these discounts.
Revised Rolling Cargo and Vehicle Rates
Island Shipping Corporation has also adjusted the rates charged for vehicles and rolling cargo transported across the Tangil–Bulado sea route. The updated schedule, which covers a wide range of vehicle classifications, is as follows:
- 8-wheel, 10-wheel, or 12-wheel trucks (Regular): ₱4,200.00
- 8-wheel, 10-wheel, or 12-wheel trucks (Extended): ₱5,600.00
- 6-wheel Fighter, Forward, or 6-wheel Elf/Canter Extended: ₱3,500.00
- 6-wheel Elf/Canter, 4-wheel Elf/Canter Van Extended: ₱3,300.00
- 6-wheel Bongo, 4-wheel Bongo, 4-wheel Canter/Elf (Premium Deluxe and similar): ₱2,800.00
- SUV, Pick-up, Wagon, Multicab Extended with Passenger, and similar units: ₱2,200.00
- Multicab, Auto, Sedan, Wigo: ₱1,500.00
All rates listed above represent the total per-vehicle charge for a single crossing, applicable in either direction along the route.
Heavy Equipment and Containerized Cargo Fees
The new rate schedule also includes updated fees for heavy equipment and containerized shipments. Heavy machinery weighing 7 tons and below is charged at ₱5,800.00, while equipment in the 15 tons and below bracket carries a rate of ₱10,500.00. Units classified as above 15 tons are charged ₱15,100.00 per crossing.
For containerized cargo, the applicable rates are:
- 20-footer containers: ₱8,500.00
- 30-footer containers: ₱9,500.00
- 40-footer containers: ₱12,000.00
Motorcycle and Tricycle Rates Under the New Schedule
Riders and motorcycle owners who regularly use the Tangil–Bulado crossing will also see adjustments in what they are charged. The revised rates for two-wheeled and three-wheeled units are as follows:
- Motorcycles with engine displacement of 200cc and below: ₱800.00
- Motorcycles with displacement of 650cc and below: ₱900.00
- Motorcycles in the 700cc to 1,000cc range: ₱1,200.00
- Tricycles and three-wheeled units: ₱1,400.00
Fuel Price Decline Cited as the Primary Driver
In its notice to MARINA Regional Office VII, Island Shipping Corporation was explicit about the reason behind the fare reduction. The company explained that fluctuations in petroleum prices have a direct and significant bearing on how much it costs to operate its vessels on a day-to-day basis.
"As previously explained, fluctuations in fuel prices directly affect vessel operating costs. In the same manner that increases in fuel prices may require operational adjustments, reductions in fuel costs also allow us to lower our rates accordingly," the notice stated.
The company added that through this reduction, it intends to maintain what it described as "affordable, safe, reliable, and efficient maritime transport services while ensuring the sustainability of our operations."
Island Shipping Reaffirms Its Service Commitment
Operations Manager Dee Gabisay closed the notice with a reaffirmation of the company's dedication to the traveling public and to its transport partners. The letter expressed appreciation for the continued trust placed in the company by its passengers and the wider community it serves.
"We remain committed to sailing with integrity, responsibility, and genuine service for the welfare of the public," the notice read. The company also included a line in Cebuano — "Daghang salamat sa inyong padayong pagsalig ug suporta" — expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of its riders and stakeholders.
Island Shipping Corporation operates under the motto "We Sail for the glory of God and Country" and is headquartered at the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City. The company can be contacted through its landline numbers: (032) 266-0718, (032) 340-6453, and (032) 266-0466.
About the Tangil–Bulado Route
The Tangil–Bulado sea crossing connects the southwestern coast of Cebu — specifically the town of Dumanjug — with the northern coast of Negros Oriental at Guihulngan City. This maritime route serves as an important link for both commuters and freight operators moving goods, vehicles, and agricultural products between the two islands.
Guihulngan City functions as a key commercial and transportation center in the northern portion of Negros Oriental, and the sea route offers a considerably shorter travel option compared to overland alternatives. The corridor is regularly used by residents, trucking companies, and agricultural traders operating within the Visayas region.
MARINA Compliance and Passenger Rights
Philippine maritime regulations mandate that domestic shipping lines notify MARINA of any changes to fare rates, whether the adjustment is upward or downward — particularly when such changes are linked to fuel price movements. Island Shipping Corporation's submission of its formal notice to MARINA Regional Office VII satisfies this regulatory requirement.
Passengers boarding Island Shipping Corporation vessels on this route are encouraged to request official receipts upon payment and to confirm that the amount collected matches the rates officially filed with MARINA. Discounts for senior citizens, students, PWDs, and children must be honored by the carrier in compliance with relevant Philippine legislation.
The revised fare and cargo rates officially took effect on May 11, 2026, with the new schedule governing all crossings made on and after that date.