PPA set to start crafting ports development plans

MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is considering crafting master plans to develop 10 seaport terminals across the archipelago by August as the government seeks to improve cargo movement and tourism activities.

The PPA, in a message to the Inquirer, said that a sole bidder expressed intent to acquire the P32.29-million consultancy services contract for the conduct of feasibility studies and formulation of master plans covering several seaports.

These terminals are to be located 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 government agency said the bidder has yet to submit additional requirements such as technical and financial proposals.

Should the proponent qualify, the contract will likely be awarded next month.

The chosen partner for the project will be given one year from the receipt of the notice to proceed to complete the study.

“The general objective of this package of feasibility studies and master plans is to meet the increasing port services required for various regions’ agri-industrial development and tourism enhancement and to determine the long-term directions in the development of the selected ports,” the PPA said.

READ: 200 seaports planned to connect remote islands in PH

Elmer Santiago, Transportation Undersecretary overseeing the maritime sector, earlier said they were planning 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.

New seaports planned

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) 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.

READ: DOTr sets P1.4B to build, expand 14 Ro-Ro ports

Last month, the DOTr announced its plan to start looking next year for a private-sector partner 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.

PPA reported that 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.

Meanwhile, cargo throughput last year grew by about 5 percent to 271.97 million metric tons (MT) from 259.14 million MT in 2022. The latest print exceeded the pre-pandemic volume of 265.88 million MT in 2019.