The Philippine Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) introduces the Layag Alalay ng Gobyerno Program to support commuter routes, offering fare discounts across 11 marine routes.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) under the Department of Transportation of the Philippines has officially launched a nationwide Service Contracting Program aimed at the maritime sector, called the Layag Alalay ng Gobyerno Program. The initiative began on May 25, 2026, at Batangas Pier and is slated to run for 14 days, covering 11 high-demand passenger ferry routes, involving 33 operators and 93 ferries. According to DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Steven Pastor, the program targets routes with heavy commuter traffic where alternative land routes are unavailable. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized that routes which have alternative transportation options, such as the Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu route via bridge, were excluded.
The program aims to benefit approximately 1.1 million daily passengers by providing fare discounts up to 192 Philippine pesos. A budget of 200 million pesos has been allocated for this subsidy program. Extension beyond the initial 14 days depends on passenger uptake and fare usage, with daily monitoring taking place. Compliance is ensured through assigned personnel overseeing that eligible trip passengers receive the fare discounts.
MARINA has also guaranteed timely subsidy payouts to maritime operators, addressing previous concerns seen with land transportation payout delays. Operators who complete documentation promptly can receive daily payment checks, while some, such as those in Surigao City with single-watercraft operators, will get daily cash payments to cover fuel costs immediately. The payment to operators is calculated based on vessel capacity multiplied by trips scheduled. These measures aim to sustain the maritime commuter services by supporting both operators and passengers during the program.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/988894/marina-service-contracting-program/story/