BRIDGING THE GAP
The Lipata port in Culasi, Antique
The idea of putting up a permanent docking area in Antique at Lipata Point in Culasi was first conceived in 1977. It was to facilitate travel between Antique and Manila, as well as other places in the country, and to encourage investors to do business in Culasi and the whole province of Antique. However, nothing was done about it and it was only in 1986, during the term of OIC Mayor Romulo Magsipoc Sr., that the construction of the port materialized. It was initially made of coco lumber and hardwood. Later, in the early 1990s, realizing its heavy use and the benefits accrued from it, the temporary materials were torn down and was replaced by cement. This was during the term of Mayor Romulo Alpas, with the help of Congressman Exequiel Javier through the Countryside Development Fund and the 20% Internal Revenue Allotment of the Municipality of Culasi (Ruiz 2002).
Barangay Lipata is six kilometers away from the poblacion of Culasi. It can be reached through a jeepney, tricycle or motorcycle either via the national highway or the Lamputong barangay road. Because it is along the coast, Barangay Lipata is a lowland, having mangroves and swampy areas. Fishing is the number one activity of the local people and the barangay has a fish sanctuary, a coral reef and a mangrove plantation project in the area.
The Lipata Strait has been an important marine point from the pre-colonial times up to the present. it is situated along Cuyo East Pass in the western seaboard of the province of Antique. The strait is strategically located in such a way that it can serve as a haven for passenger ships and cargo vessels when there is a typhoon. The reason for this is because it is surrounded by small islands, namely: Malalison, Batbatan and Maniguin; and the high Madyaas mountain in the vicinity that provides it a natural shield.
Before the coming of the Spanish colonialists, the Lipata Strait was the point where the first native settlers of Culasi founded their settlement. In other words, it is assumed that Lipata then was the site of the old town of Culasi before its transfer to its present site.
During the Spanish period, the Lipata Point contributed to the convenient transfer of Spanish officials and friars from Manila to Panay for the facilitation of government functions and for the spread of the Christian religion and education. From then on, up to the American and Japanese occupations, and up to these days, Lipata Strait has facilitated the easy movement of people, goods and services, as well as encourages active trade in the area. During World War II, Lipata Point was chosen by the American naval strategists to be one of the ideal places for unloading firearms, ammunitions and other supplies for the native guerilla forces operating in Panay.
Because the Lipata Port is classified as an inland municipal port, it is owned and managed by the Municipality of Culasi under the Local Government unit. It is one of the ports in the Philippines that is not under the management of the Philippine Ports Authority or PPA.
Lipata Port has one docking area that can accommodate big passenger ships. It has space also for medium-size motorized fishing boats. It has an installed lighting facility and has a number of government buildings in it, such as the Coastguard Station, the Office of the MARICOM (Marine Command) Police, the guardhouse, and the passengers' terminal. Then, there are the videoke bars and food establishments that are situated a few meters from the port area.
The shipping lines that have been using the Lipata Port are the William Lines; Palawan Shipping Lines that serves passengers for Mindoro, Manila and back; and MBRS Shipping Lines whose routes of operation are Manila, Bacauan, Romblon and Sibuyan.