INQUIRER FILES
Engr. Edgar Tabacon, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said the Philippine Ports Authority would construct the Babatngon Port at P934.20 million.
He, however, did not give a specific timeline for the project in a letter to the Regional Development Council (RDC) on July 31.
Tabacon, who chairs the RDC’s infrastructure and utilities development council, said the Babatngon Port, located in Barangay Bacong, which is four kilometers away from the town center, was seen to become a regional transshipment hub.
“This is a welcome development in the sea transport sector of the region, ensuring that inter-island shipping remains a viable option for transporting people and cargo, thereby contributing to the attainment of an expanded and upgraded infrastructure,” he said.
“Moreover, this will improve regional links to local and international commerce and trade, serving as a vital component in attaining inclusive growth and socio-economic progress,” he added.
The port will primarily serve cargo and passenger roll-on, roll-off (Roro) fast crafts, linear vessels, and conventional and tramping cargo vessels transporting all types of cargo, including containerized cargoes.
Due to its deep harbor, it can accommodate eight Roro vessels with an average length of 90 meters at any given time.
It can also serve as a jump-off point to several major destinations such as Cebu, Masbate, Panay, Negros, Bicol, and Luzon.
The sea routes from Babatngon Port to these major destinations are shorter compared to those utilizing the ports of Tacloban and Ormoc.
The port could also be an alternative route to the Allen (Northern Samar)-Matnog (Sorsogon, Bicol) route.
The construction of the port has brought excitement to residents of Babatngon, a fourth-class town with a population of more than 28,823 people spread across its 25 barangays.
Municipal Councilor Larry Menzon expressed optimism that the Babatngon Port’s operations would stimulate economic activities and generate jobs for locals whose main livelihood is farming and fishing.
“This will not only benefit Babatngon but also Tacloban City, nearby areas, and the rest of the region,” Menzon said.