Island Shipping Corporation has announced a downgrade in passenger fares and rolling cargo rates on the Tangil, Dumanjug, Cebu to Bulado, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental route (and vice versa), effective Sunday, May 11, 2026. The adjustment follows a recent decrease in fuel prices, which the company said directly reduced vessel operating costs.
The notice was addressed to Engr. Ronaldo P. Bandalaria, Regional Director of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Maritime Regional Office VII in Lahug, Cebu City, and was signed by Dee Gabisay, Operations Manager of Island Shipping Corporation, and dated May 10, 2026.
The fare reduction affects regular passengers, senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and children, as well as various categories of rolling cargo, heavy equipment, and motorcycles traversing the Cebu–Negros Oriental sea route.
New Passenger Fare Rates Effective May 11, 2026
According to the official notice submitted to MARINA Region VII, the updated passenger fare schedule is as follows:
- Regular Passenger: ₱370.00
- Senior Citizen (with valid ID): ₱264.30
- Student / PWD (with valid Student ID or Study Load Slip): ₱296.00
- Child (11 years old and below): ₱185.00
The discounted rates for senior citizens and students/PWDs reflect the mandated percentage discounts required under Philippine law, applied to the new base fare of ₱370.00 for regular passengers.
Heavy Equipment Shipping Rates Also Reduced
Alongside passenger fares, Island Shipping Corporation also published revised rates for the transport of heavy equipment across the route. The updated heavy equipment tariffs are structured by weight and container size, as follows:
- 7 Tons and Below: ₱5,800.00
- 15 Tons and Below: ₱10,500.00
- Above 15 Tons: ₱15,100.00
- 20-Footer Container: ₱8,500.00
- 30-Footer Container: ₱9,500.00
- 40-Footer Container: ₱12,000.00
These rates cover the full cost of transporting heavy equipment units and containerized cargo aboard the company's vessels on the Tangil–Bulado crossing.
Rolling Cargo Rates by Vehicle Category
Rolling cargo — which refers to wheeled vehicles driven or towed onto the vessel — was also subject to revised pricing under the new fare schedule. The updated rates per vehicle type are as follows:
- 8-Wheel / 10-Wheel / 12-Wheel (Regular): ₱4,200.00
- 8W / 10W / 12W (Extended): ₱5,600.00
- 6-Wheeler Fighter / Forward / 6-Wheeler Elf, Canter (Extended): ₱3,500.00
- 6-Wheeler Elf / Canter / 4-Wheeler Elf / Canter Van Extended: ₱3,300.00
- 6-Wheeler Bongo / 4-Wheeler Bongo / 4-Wheeler 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
The tiered structure reflects differences in vehicle size, weight, and deck space requirements aboard the vessel.
Motorcycle and Three-Wheeler Ferry Rates
Motorcycle riders and tricycle operators using the Tangil–Bulado ferry service will also benefit from the downgraded rates. The new tariffs by engine displacement and vehicle type are:
- 2-Wheel Motorcycle – 200cc and Below: ₱800.00
- 2-Wheel Motorcycle – 650cc and Below: ₱900.00
- 2-Wheel Motorcycle – 700cc to 1,000cc: ₱1,200.00
- Tricycle / 3-Wheeler: ₱1,400.00
These rates apply to all motorcycle and three-wheel vehicle passengers boarding the ferry on the Cebu–Negros Oriental route in either direction.
Fuel Price Drop Cited as Reason for Fare Reduction
In its letter to MARINA Region VII, Island Shipping Corporation explained that the fare reduction is a direct consequence of the recent decline in fuel prices, which in turn lowered the cost of operating its vessels.
"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."
— Dee Gabisay, Operations Manager, Island Shipping Corporation
The company stated that the rate adjustment is being made "in line with our commitment to implement fair and reasonable rates for the benefit of the riding public and our valued clients."
Island Shipping Corporation's Operating Background
Island Shipping Corporation is based at the North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, with its main office reachable at (032) 266-0718, (032) 340-6453, and (032) 266-0466. The company operates under its motto, "We Sail for the Glory of God and Country."
The Tangil (Dumanjug, Cebu) to Bulado (Guihulngan, Negros Oriental) route serves as a critical maritime link between southwestern Cebu and the northern portion of Negros Oriental, providing regular ferry service for commuters, cargo haulers, commercial transport operators, and tourists traversing the Cebu–Negros strait.
Maritime fare adjustments in the Philippines are typically coordinated with and reported to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the government agency responsible for the regulation, development, and promotion of the maritime industry. MARINA Regional Office VII oversees maritime operations in the Central Visayas region.
Passengers and Cargo Operators Advised to Take Note of New Rates
Island Shipping Corporation reminded passengers and transport partners that the new rates take effect immediately starting May 11, 2026. The company encouraged the riding public to present valid identification documents when availing of discounted fares, particularly for senior citizen, student, and PWD categories, in compliance with Philippine law.
The company closed its official notice with a message of gratitude to its passengers and transport clients: "We sincerely thank our passengers, transport partners, and the entire community for their continued trust, patience, and understanding."
Passengers and cargo operators traveling on the Tangil–Bulado route are advised to verify current rates with Island Shipping Corporation directly by contacting its Cebu City main office prior to travel.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Island Shipping Corporation