Sipalay: The cities of Sipalay in Negros Occidental and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental are now directly connected with the opening of a new bus route this week. The Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) began operating Ceres airconditioned buses on Wednesday, a move anticipated to boost regional connectivity and tourism.
According to Philippines News Agency, Sipalay City Mayor Maria Gina Lizares expressed that the new bus route will offer convenience for the residents of Sipalay and other travelers. "We are optimistic this will further boost the city's economy, especially its tourism industry, through the arrival of tourists from Negros Oriental and other nearby provinces," Lizares stated in a statement on Thursday.
While several permits are still undergoing processing by VTI management, limited trips are presently available. The bus company has assured the city government that all trip schedules will be fully operational by May 10. Currently, there are four trips daily from Dumaguete to Sipalay and five trips from Sipalay to Dumaguete, with stopovers in Hinoba-an, Bayawan City, and Siaton. The fare is set at PHP433 for regular passengers and PHP346 for students and senior citizens.
Supervising tourism officer Jerick Lacson noted that the Dumaguete-Sipalay-Dumaguete route is particularly beneficial to travelers, including students, and significantly enhances the connectivity of tourist attractions between the two Negros provinces. "This will provide greater convenience for Sipalaynons traveling to the other side of the island in anticipation of the full operation of the Negros Island Region. It will also make it easier for tourists from Dumaguete and Siquijor to visit Sipalay," he commented.
Lacson extended gratitude to the Department of Tourism-Western Visayas for endorsing the city government's request for the opening of the new bus route to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Sipalay, known as the top tourist destination in Negros Occidental, is famed for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, attracting both foreign and domestic tourists.