Geline Salac

A view of the White beach in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17831163275331783116325948.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>A view of the White beach in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. ABS-CBN News/File </div>PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro — The municipal government of Puerto Galera has renewed its appeal to shipping companies and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to reduce ferry fares, citing the continued decline in petroleum prices.In separate letters, Mayor Robinhood Ylagan urged Montenegro Shipping Lines, Shogun Ships Co., Inc., and Galerian Water Transport Services to implement a fare rollback on the Balatero, Puerto Galera–Batangas route. His office also appealed to MARINA&#x27;s Franchising Service and Domestic Shipping Service (DSS) to facilitate the implementation of lower fares.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/1/puerto-galera-urges-shipping-lines-to-cut-fares-1923">READ: Puerto Galera urges shipping lines to cut fares</a></div>The local government said that while it recognizes the operational challenges faced by ferry operators, a reasonable fare reduction would encourage travel, attract more passengers, and support the long-term growth of both the shipping industry and Puerto Galera&#x27;s tourism-dependent economy.Puerto Galera officials also argued that the 17-nautical-mile Puerto Galera–Batangas route is significantly shorter than the longer 24-nautical-mile Calapan–Batangas route, where ferry fares are already lower.Mayor Ylagan first sought a fare rollback in a letter dated February 12, 2026, before fuel prices surged following the outbreak of the US-Iran war, which had prompted ferry operators to raise fares to offset higher operating costs.The Puerto Galera Sangguniang Bayan has also adopted a new resolution urging MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan to review and strengthen oversight of passenger, private vehicle, and cargo rates charged by shipping companies operating on the Batangas–Puerto Galera route, amid the sustained decline in fuel prices.Vice Mayor Rocky Ilagan said Puerto Galera, one of the Philippines&#x27; premier tourist destinations, depends heavily on efficient, affordable, and reliable sea transport to sustain its tourism-driven economy.He noted that the Batangas–Puerto Galera route is now the only major ferry route serving Mindoro where operators have yet to implement a fare rollback.On the Calapan–Batangas route, Starlite Ferries has lowered passenger fares to P680 from P760, while Montenegro Shipping Lines charges P624 for RoRo passengers and P768 for fastcraft passengers. Montenegro also said it has reduced fares on its Marinduque and Romblon routes.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/3/30/new-batangas-pola-ferry-route-offers-alternative-travel-option-to-oriental-mindoro-0120">READ: New Batangas–Pola ferry route offers alternative travel option to Oriental Mindoro</a></div>Fare rollbacks have likewise taken effect on the Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro–Batangas route, with Montenegro Shipping Lines charging P676 for regular passengers and Island Water setting its regular fare at P680.Shipping companies have implemented two fare adjustments since March 2026, when higher global oil prices linked to the US-Iran conflict drove up vessel operating costs. However, with fuel prices continuing to ease, further fare reductions are expected if the downward trend in petroleum prices persists.

The municipal government of Puerto Galera has renewed its appeal to shipping companies and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to reduce ferry fares, citing the continued decline in petroleum prices.

The municipal government of Puerto Galera has renewed its appeal to shipping companies and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to reduce ferry fares, citing the continued decline in petroleum prices.

Puerto Galera LGU pushes for ferry fare rollback as fuel costs decline

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Regions

Puerto Galera LGU pushes for ferry fare rollback as fuel costs decline

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 04, 2026 06:08 AM PHT

Read More:

travel

Puerto Galera

shipping lines

fuel prices

ferry

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.