Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez is expediting the construction and expansion of the new pier of the Pio Duran Port in Albay after the existing structure was damaged when it was hit by Super Typhoon Uwan.
This follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the immediate repair of damaged infrastructure in transport hubs affected by the recent typhoon.
During his inspection of the Pio Duran Port, Lopez immediately ordered the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to construct a new and wider pier and road connector because it is no longer usable based on its current conditions.
The acting transport chief said that the wider and new pier of the Pio Duran Port should be built immediately because 30 cargo trucks going to Masbate pass through here.
“We need to restore the operations of this port immediately. It is important that we expedite the construction of the expanded pier because we will connect it to the road to make it accessible to cargo and passengers,” said Acting Secretary Lopez.
The Secretary added that this is a big deal for passengers and residents because it is one of the center of trade and business in the municipality.
Lopez also ordered the repair of part of the ceiling at the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Bicol International Airport that was damaged by strong winds brought by Super Typhoon Uwan.
During his inspection of the Bicol International Airport on Tuesday, Acting Secretary Lopez immediately ordered the airport to be more robustly repaired.
Lopez explained that it would be better to replace the ceiling materials with uniform ones for a stronger foundation, which will also not be damaged by future typhoons.
“The President said that the structures of our airports, terminals and transport hubs should not only be repaired but also be strong and able to withstand future typhoons. These structures and facilities must be safe for our passengers,” Lopez said.
Lopez gave the Bicol International Airport management two weeks to repair the affected ceiling.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) assured that the “on the ground assessment” of the airports is continuing to ensure their structural integrity.
