MANILA, Philippines–Three port projects in Palawan are set to start operations on Friday (March 19) boosting access and commerce in the province despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The seaport projects, located in the towns of El Nido, Bataraza, and Coron, will be inaugurated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on the same day.
“The development of the three ports in Palawan is expected to significantly enhance the mobility and connectivity of people and goods in the province, and facilitate movements to major trading and tourism centers,’ the DOTr said in a statement.
“The completed projects will also provide the public with a more convenient travel by sea,” it added.
Set for opening are the newly constructed Port of San Fernando in El Nido, Port of Bataraza in Bataraza and Borac Port in Coron.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and PPA general manager Jay Santiago will lead the series of events on Friday.
The projects were part of the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build infrastructure program and among those completed since 2016.