By Ely Dumaboc/PNA
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — The local government has allocated PHP20 million for the construction of an “enterprise complex” at the Chinese pier in Barangay Poblacion, here.
Mayor Jimuel Que on Saturday said the complex will house the terminal and 50 concrete food stalls to better serve the passengers of ferry boats plying the other island towns of the province.
The ferry boats that dock at the Chinese pier cater to passengers from this town to Languyan, Mapun, Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa, Sibutu, Simunul, Sitangkai, South Ubian, Tandubas, and Turtle Islands and vice-versa.
Que said the new enterprise complex will replace the old wooden structure, which is already dilapidated.
Que said the source of funds to construct the enterprise complex comes from the town’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).
“As of now, we had already started to clear the area of some obstacles in preparation for the construction of the stalls,” Que said.
He explained that once completed, ferry boat passengers will have a good place to stay while waiting for the ferry boat heading to their destinations.
He said the enterprise complex is also an ideal site where one can relax and view the rising and setting of the sun.
Bongao, which is subdivided into 35 barangays, is a second-class municipality and the capital town of Tawi-Tawi.