Philippines DOTC allocates P500M to upgrade key sea ports
The Department of Transportation and Communication has embarked on a project to expand existing berthing facilities in order to address projected increase in cargo handling and vessel traffic, PIA reports.
In a statement posted on the agency website, Transportation secretary Mar Roxas said the government is allocating about P500 million to construct and upgrade existing berthing facilities in key ports in the country in line with the Aquino administration’s thrust to provide reliable and responsive port services and sustain the development of the country’s port community.
“Together with the PPA, we have identified key port areas in Iloilo, Ormoc and Tabaco where cargo handling capacity are projected to increase as a result of growing shipping activities in those areas,” Roxas said.
These projects would improve port operations in terms of goods and passenger movements as well as foster a more productive, efficient, safe secure and comfortable port experience.
“We are constructing additional 3,653 sqm of cargo handling space in the port of Tabaco, Albay. This will enable faster off loading and boarding of cargoes,” Roxas said. The estimated cost of the project is P83.7 million.
The Iloilo Commercial Port Complex will also be upgraded by constructing additional 13,720 sqm cargo handling space to accommodate the increased throughput arising from the closing down of berths along Iloilo River. The estimated cost is P307.6 million.
The government is also upgrading the Ormoc port where an additional back-up area of 3,791sqm will be constructed including a Roll-on Roll off (RORO) ramp to accommodate the projected increase in vessel traffic.
Ormoc port recorded 948 vessels traffic as of 2010. Currently, the Ormoc port can only accommodate 1,095 vessels. It is projected that within five years, traffic vessel traffic in the port will reach 1,533. The estimated project cost is P109.9 million.