Despite economic pinch, PH set to finish 36 port projects

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is on track to complete 36 port projects this year amid a health crisis that has triggered a contraction in the broader economy.

Through the Philippine Ports Authority, the DOTr said it completed 14 projects as of June, with another 22 set to be finished by the end of 2020.

According to the department, the projects would “bolster the operational capability of the current ports, specifically in inter-island travel and movement of essential goods across regions.”

This also comes despite travel restrictions even among local government jurisdictions as new coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Of the 14 completed projects, the Port of Borac and Port of San Fernando, both in Palawan, and Port of Malalag in Davao del Sur are brand-new facilities.The rest are expansion projects. These are the Port of Cawit in Boac, Marinduque; Port of Estancia in Iloilo; Port of Iligan in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; Port of Jagna in Bohol; Port of Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro; Port of Ozamiz in Misamis Occidental; Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol; Port of Currimao in Ilocos Sur; Port of Masao in Agusan del Norte and two separate projects for Iloilo Commercial Port Complex.

The DOTr said more projects were on the way.

These include the Pier 18 rehabilitation and upgrade in Vitas, Tondo, Manila; the construction of the port operations building in Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro; the Balanacan port expansion project in Marinduque; the construction of an RC Pier and roll-on, roll-off (Ro-R0) ramp at the port of Bansud in Oriental Mindoro.

Moreover, the government is completing, among others, the construction of a backup area at the Port of Bulalacao also in Oriental Mindoro; the Ro-Ro ramp and expansion project at the Port of Bulan in Sorsogon; the construction of the Coastal Access Road project at the Port of Calapan; port expansion project of Port of Capinpin; and reconstruction of the Carmen Port in San Agustin, Romblon.