By Alec Go
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday (Oct. 29) led the simultaneous inauguration of seven seaport development projects in Tagbilaran City, Bohol in line with the government’s Build, Build, Build program.Â
The seven ports that have undergone expansion and improvements are the Ports of Tagbilaran, Jagna, Ubay, Tapal, Talibon, Loon and Maribojoc.
In his speech, Duterte lauded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) “for successfully completing these projects that mark another milestone” under the administration’s infrastructure program.
“The constructions and repairs done in these ports will allow Bohol to accommodate more people and goods from neighboring provinces and contribute much to the province’s recovery from the pandemic,” he said.Â
“All these developments support this administration’s vision to provide our people with improved mobility, as well as offer a comfortable, productive, and dignified life for every Filipino,” he added.
The Chief Executive expressed confidence that the projects will further improve Bohol’s capacity as a “catalyst of economic growth in Central Visayas.”
Meanwhile, Duterte commended the province for its COVID-19 response.
The DOTr said in April that the government will continue to implement the Build, Build, Build program despite COVID-19 restrictions, with over 400 port improvements completed during that time.
The DOTr and the PPA have already inaugurated earlier this year the completed second Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Port of Tagbilaran. -rir