MOVING AROUND THE PHILIPPINES: CHALLENGES AND DYNAMICS OF INTER-ISLAND TRANSPORTATION IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

As an archipelago where MetroManila is attracting many people from the provinces, the Philippines present specific constraints to easy mobility from one island to another. The quasi-absence of any bridge (or tunnel) between the islands creates territorial discontinuities, which are overcome by a complex system of ferries, either for short-distance crossings, or for longer travel between islands. The implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway appears as a attempt to better integrate land-based and water-based transportation. But is it efficient? Ships are slow by nature, even with fast catamaran technologies. Therefore, plane travel is a major way to circulate within the country Does it compete with boat travel? How are ship networks and airline networks organized? Do they allow for easy travel between all islands? Or do they aggravate spatial disparities while reinforcing the dominant position of Manila? Are small islands suffering for excessive isolation, even if they appear geographically close to the major islands?