BOAC, Marinduque — Traveling across the islands of Mimaropa may soon feel as seamless as island-hopping in the Caribbean, following the formal endorsement of the proposed Diamond Route Inter-Island Sea Transport Network by the Regional Development Council (RDC).
The initiative was presented by Marinduque Governor Melecio Go during the RDC Full Council Meeting, where he serves as chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee. The proposal received full backing from Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, RDC Chair, and unanimous support from all Mimaropa provinces.
“Ito ang maagang pamasko ng RDC sa Mimaropa," Governor Go said, describing the project as a timely and transformative gift for the region.
The Diamond Route aims to address long-standing challenges in inter-island travel, which residents and businesses have long described as slow, costly, and poorly connected. By creating a seamless maritime loop linking Batangas–Marinduque–Romblon–Oriental Mindoro; Batangas–Oriental Mindoro–Romblon–Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro–Marinduque as well as Occidental Mindoro–Palawan, and vice versa, the project envisions faster ferries, coordinated schedules, and modern vessels that will significantly improve mobility, trade, and tourism.
Under the proposed network, travel time between islands could be cut dramatically—making it possible, for example, to visit relatives in Mindoro in as little as two hours instead of six, or to deliver fresh produce from Marinduque to Palawan within the same day.
The plan was formally endorsed to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) during the 2nd Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Mimaropa RDC on June 11 in Pasay City. The proposed expansion is designed to reinforce regional integration under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and further stimulate economic growth, tourism, and trade across the region.
Governor Go said the Diamond Route will utilize modern, world-class vessels capable of ensuring safe and efficient travel even amid challenging sea conditions. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s transport modernization agenda and was recently discussed in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“This is about connectivity and unlocking the full economic potential of Mimaropa," Go said. “Reliable, modern inter-island transport means better market access for our farmers, safer travel for our residents, and greater tourism opportunities across all four provinces.”
Go also revealed that several major shipping lines have already expressed interest in participating in the project, signaling strong private-sector confidence in the initiative.
Senator Zubiri voiced his support for transport, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism programs aimed at accelerating regional development. He invited Governor Go to attend the opening of the Senate session on January 26 to further discuss regional priorities. In response, Governor Go welcomed the senator to visit Marinduque to see firsthand the province’s development initiatives and tourism potential.
Once implemented, the Diamond Route is expected to complement existing maritime transport systems, offering more frequent, reliable, and integrated services. Regional leaders believe it will redefine Mimaropa—from a collection of isolated islands into a dynamic, interconnected growth hub, often described as the “Caribbean of the Philippines.” -- with reports from April Pagaling and Romeo Mataac Jr./Marinduquenews.com
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