Panay's Arterial Routes: A Comprehensive Guide to VTI Iloilo West Branch's Antique Liner
The Ceres Bus routes originating from the Mohon Terminal in Iloilo City are indispensable for travel across Western Panay. Operated by Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) under the popular Ceres brand, these buses are the primary connection between Iloilo and the provinces of Antique and Aklan.
The Iloilo West Branch Terminal in Mohon, Iloilo City is locally recognized as the "Antique Liner Terminal." It serves as the staging point for the VTI fleet that navigates the diverse terrain of Panay's western coast, from the rugged mountains of Antique to the resort town of Caticlan.
Here is a breakdown of the key routes and their significance for commuters and travelers.
The Antique Corridor: Iloilo to Aklan Destinations
These long-distance routes are critical for connecting the regional hub of Iloilo City to the major tourism and transport hubs in Aklan.
| Route | Destination & Key Passage | Travel Significance |
| Mohon Iloilo to Caticlan via Nabas | Caticlan Jetty Port (Malay, Aklan) via the major highway passing through Antique, then cutting across Aklan via Nabas. | The most essential route for Boracay-bound travelers. It utilizes the main roads for a reliable connection to the island's jump-off point. |
| Mohon Iloilo to Caticlan Via Libertad Buruanga | Caticlan Jetty Port via the northernmost coastal towns of Antique (Libertad) and Aklan (Buruanga). | Offers a more scenic, deep-coastal drive. It's an important option for locals in the border municipalities and travelers who prefer the coastal views over the main highway. |
| Mohon Iloilo to Kalibo Via Antique | Kalibo, Aklan (Provincial Capital & Int'l Airport) via the Antique coastal road and connecting to the major road network leading to Kalibo. | Connects Iloilo directly to the capital of Aklan and the Kalibo International Airport, serving an essential function for air travelers and local government personnel. |
The Local Connect: Routes Serving Antique Province
VTI's routes also focus heavily on regional connections, providing crucial links between Iloilo City and the provincial capital of Antique, San Jose de Buenavista (Dalipe).
| Route | Destination & Key Passage | Local Significance |
| Mohon Iloilo to Dalipe, San Jose Via Dao Antique | Dalipe Terminal (San Jose, Antique) via the main coastal highway passing through key towns like Dao (Tobias Fornier). | This is the classic, most frequent route to the Antique provincial capital. It services the most populated coastal municipalities south of San Jose. |
| Mohon Iloilo to Dalipe, San Jose Via Bukid | Dalipe Terminal (San Jose, Antique) via an inland or "Bukid" route. | "Bukid" refers to the higher, mountainous, or interior sections of the province. This route serves inland communities and may offer a different, sometimes faster, or more direct path for local commuters bypassing some coastal towns. |
Why the Mohon Terminal is Vital
The Mohon Iloilo West Branch Terminal is the regional transport hub for the entire western coast of Panay. For commuters, students, merchants, and tourists, the Ceres Antique Liner represents:
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Accessibility: Providing the most affordable and available public transport option between provincial hubs.
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Reliability: The VTI fleet, with its frequent departures, is the trusted mode of travel for thousands daily.
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Economic Bridge: It facilitates commerce by transporting people and goods, linking the markets of Iloilo to the resources of Antique and the tourism engine of Aklan.
For anyone traveling across the beautiful western face of Panay Island, the Ceres Antique Liner routes from Mohon Terminal are the starting point of their journey.
