Commuters, cargo haulers, and motorcycle riders crossing between Dumanjug in Cebu and Guihulngan in Negros Oriental will pay lower ferry fares beginning Sunday, May 11, 2026, after Island Shipping Corporation formally notified maritime authorities of a downward adjustment in its rates. The company attributed the rollback directly to the recent drop in fuel prices, which it said has measurably reduced the cost of running its vessels on the route.
The official rate adjustment covers the Tangil, Dumanjug, Cebu to Bulado, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental route and applies in both directions. The notice was signed by Dee Gabisay, Operations Manager of Island Shipping Corporation, and dated May 10, 2026. It was addressed to Engr. Ronaldo P. Bandalaria, Regional Director of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Maritime Regional Office VII, based in Lahug, Cebu City.
Why Fares Are Going Down
In its letter submitted to MARINA Region VII, Island Shipping Corporation explained the rationale behind the fare reduction. Operations Manager Dee Gabisay wrote that fuel price movements have a direct bearing on how much it costs to operate vessels, and that a decline in fuel prices naturally allows the company to pass on savings to its passengers and transport clients.
“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,” Gabisay stated in the official notice.
The company also framed the adjustment as part of its broader commitment to maintaining fair pricing, stating that the move was made “in line with our commitment to implement fair and reasonable rates for the benefit of the riding public and our valued clients.”
Updated Passenger Fare Schedule
The revised fares affect multiple passenger categories, with discounts for protected sectors maintained in accordance with Philippine law. Based on the new base fare for regular passengers, the mandatory percentage discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) have been recalculated accordingly.
The new passenger fares effective May 11, 2026 are 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
Passengers availing of discounted fares are reminded to bring valid identification documents — including senior citizen cards, school IDs, or PWD identification — as these will be required for verification at the terminal.
Rolling Cargo: New Rates by Vehicle Type
The fare reduction extends beyond passengers to wheeled vehicles loaded directly onto the vessel — commonly referred to as rolling cargo. The updated tariffs are tiered by vehicle classification, size, and deck space requirements. The new rolling cargo rates are:
- 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
Revised Heavy Equipment Shipping Tariffs
Operators transporting heavy machinery and containerized cargo across the Tangil–Bulado crossing will also benefit from reduced tariffs. Island Shipping Corporation published the following updated rates for heavy equipment, categorized by weight and container size:
- 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 ferrying heavy units and containerized loads aboard the company’s vessels on the route.
Motorcycle and Three-Wheeler Rates Also Adjusted
Motorcycle riders and tricycle operators who regularly use the Tangil–Bulado sea crossing will likewise see lower rates under the new schedule. The revised motorcycle and three-wheeler tariffs are structured by engine displacement:
- 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 motorcycle and three-wheel vehicle passengers on the Cebu–Negros Oriental route, regardless of direction of travel.
About the Tangil–Bulado Sea Route
The ferry crossing between Tangil in Dumanjug, Cebu, and Bulado in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, serves as a vital maritime corridor connecting southwestern Cebu with the northern stretch of Negros Oriental. The route is used daily by ordinary commuters, commercial transport operators, tourists, and cargo haulers moving goods and equipment across the Cebu–Negros strait.
Island Shipping Corporation is headquartered at the North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, and can be reached at the following contact numbers: (032) 266-0718, (032) 340-6453, and (032) 266-0466. The company operates under the motto, “We Sail for the Glory of God and Country.”
MARINA Oversight and Compliance
Maritime fare adjustments in the Philippines are coordinated with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the national government body tasked with regulating, developing, and promoting the country’s maritime sector. MARINA Regional Office VII, based in Lahug, Cebu City, has oversight over maritime operations throughout the Central Visayas region, including the Cebu–Negros Oriental sea lanes.
Island Shipping Corporation’s notice was formally submitted to Regional Director Engr. Ronaldo P. Bandalaria ahead of the May 11 implementation date, in keeping with standard industry practice for fare adjustments.
What Passengers and Cargo Operators Should Do
Island Shipping Corporation has advised all passengers and transport partners to take note of the updated rate schedule, which took effect on May 11, 2026. Those availing of discounted fares for senior citizens, students, and PWDs must present valid and current identification documents as required under Philippine law.
The company closed its official notice with an expression of gratitude to its clientele: “We sincerely thank our passengers, transport partners, and the entire community for their continued trust, patience, and understanding.”
Passengers and cargo operators planning to use the Tangil–Bulado ferry service are encouraged to confirm the latest applicable rates directly with Island Shipping Corporation through its Cebu City main office before their scheduled travel date.
