For many years, the beautiful islands of Camotes have been known as the "Lost Horizon of the South," a peaceful paradise filled with friendly people. However, behind this tranquility and beauty lies simmering frustration and bitterness among residents who must travel to and from the mainland - not for leisure, but for livelihood and opportunities.
The Economic Burden of Island Transportation
The shipping connections that should serve as bridges to progress have instead become heavy burdens for ordinary Camotes residents. The ships operating from Liloan Port to Poro, Danao City, Mactan, to Consuelo, San Francisco, and the new route from Ormoc City to Pilar City and Hagutapay, Tudela have become symbols of economic control rather than public service.
Many believed that opening multiple ports would signal development, but the reality is that only businessmen and ship owners benefit, not the passengers who sometimes appear to be merely forgotten travelers in this equation.
Monopoly Power and Lack of Competition
Due to the absence of competition, operators can set fares as they please. Even for short journeys, the fares are nearly equivalent to the Cebu-Ormoc or Cebu-Bohol routes which cover much longer distances. This demonstrates that Camotes residents are forced to pay excessive amounts because they have no alternatives.
This monopoly raises numerous questions about the role of local government units (LGUs) in the four municipalities of Camotes Island: San Francisco, Poro, Tudela, and Pilar. There are suspicions that other shipping lines might be prevented from entering the route - through delayed permits or unclear "agreements." If true, this would be anti-competitive and anti-people, suggesting that officials who should be fighting for their constituents might instead be contributing to their hardship by failing to address the expensive passenger and cargo rates.
Widespread Economic Impact
The economic effect is substantial. High transportation costs reduce commercial movement, tourism, and local livelihoods. Farmers, fishermen, livestock raisers, and small business owners pay significant amounts to transport their products, while students and workers traveling to the mainland suffer from the high expenses.
This situation represents a silent exploitation, hidden behind the phrase "limited service" that masks the true economic burden placed upon the island's residents who depend on these vital transportation links for their survival and economic wellbeing.
