The Department of Transportation is on the right track in targeting the immediate development of 10 seaport terminals across the archipelago to further enhance economic growth.
The Philippine Ports Authority is now crafting the master plans to develop 10 seaport terminals in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Taytay, Palawan; Buenavista, Guimaras; San Carlos, Negros Occidental; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Lazi, Siquijor; Catbalogan, Samar; Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur; and Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.
The PPA is reportedly finalizing discussions with a sole bidder that has expressed intent to acquire the P32.29-million consultancy services contract for the conduct of feasibility studies and formulation of master plans covering the seaports.
The general objective of the package of feasibility studies and master plans, we’re told, is to meet the increasing port services required for various regions’ agri-industrial development and tourism enhancement.
The DOTr actually plans to construct 200 new seaports across the country by 2028 to improve connectivity for remote islands.
Each terminal is estimated to cost P20 million to P80 million.
The agency is also keen on building and expanding 14 roll-on/roll-off ports across the archipelago.
These include San Vicente Roro Port, Maconacon Port, and Palanan Port in northern Luzon; Dilasag Port, Baler Port, Infanta Port, and Catanauan Port in eastern Luzon; Cadiz Port, Ajuy Port, and San Fernando Port in Central Visayas; and Lupon Roro Port and Sta. Ana Roro Port in Mindanao.
That’s not all.
The DOTr also plans tap the private-sector to develop a ferry system that traverses Manila Bay, Pasig River, Marikina River, and Laguna de Bay.
The goal is to provide alternative routes that link the east and west corridors of Metro Manila.
According to the PPA, passenger traffic on sea terminals surged by 24 percent to 73.61 million last year from 59.19 million in 2022.
However, this was still below the 2019 level of 83.72 million passengers.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of developing more seaports across the country as this is crucial in accelerating economic and social progress.
Connecting the more than 7,000 islands that make up the archipelago will require the PPA to operate a rationalized national port system that will promote regional development through the dispersal of industries and economic activities in the different regions and establish port facilities and services at par with global best practices.