By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos / Philippine News Agency
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday (Nov. 18) expressed confidence that eight improved and expanded seaports in the provinces of Mindoro will lead to robust economic and tourism growth in the island.
During the simultaneous inauguration of eight integrated seaport development projects in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Duterte said the new ports affirm his administration’s resolve to improve Filipinos’ lives by pursuing vital infrastructure projects even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We welcome this occasion with much optimism because these public infrastructures will improve mobility and productivity and help boost economic growth in the area,” Duterte said in a speech delivered in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
“Apart from the seamless connecting [of] our regions, these ports will also boost the tourism industry in the island of [Mindoro].”
Duterte made the remarks as he acknowledged that the island of Mindoro “plays a significant role in boosting the country’s interconnectivity” as it serves as a gateway for passengers and goods coming from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao and vice versa.
He also lauded the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Ports Authority for their commitment to finish the seaport projects in Mindoro.
“I commend the Department of Transportation, as well as the Philippine Ports Authority for their work on the eight seaports to be inaugurated today. These accomplishments were made under our Build Build Build program,” Duterte said.
The improved and expanded seaports include the two port projects in the Port of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, as well as the port projects in the Ports of Calapan, Balatero, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Bansud, and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro.
The Port of Calapan’s passenger terminal building (PTB) can now accommodate 3,500 passengers at any given time following its expansion. The port’s access road has been completed to prevent traffic build-up in the area.
Puerto Galera’s new gateway port, the Port of Balatero, offers passengers a comfortable travel with an expanded PTB and an extended jetty and back-up area. The port’s PTB can accommodate 500 passengers at any given time as Puerto Galera reopens to tourists.
Meanwhile, the improvement of the Port of Bansud’s reinforced concrete (RC) platform, RoRo ramp, and RC pier will bolster the port’s operational capability.
The Port of Bulalacao, with a completed and expanded backup area, can now use its maximum capacity and space.
The expansion of Port of Mansalay, which plays a major role in the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and has been identified as a major route, will allow the seaport to meet the demands of shipping trade in the area.
Development projects in the Port of Roxas include the expansion of its backup area, RC platform, and RoRo ramp, and the installation of a new port lighting system.
The completed projects in the Port of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro’s main seaport, include the construction of its RC pier, RoRo ramp and access trestle, and construction of the port’s new operations building.
Duterte vowed that the government remains focused on addressing the “current and future” needs of the country through all its policies and programs.
“As we put the welfare of our kababayans on the top of our priorities, we can certainly find ways to uplift their lives, especially those who are in need the most,” he said.
Duterte hoped that the government and its private partners would continue working together to achieve “inclusive progress” that would make public services “more responsive and accessible.”
“I also hope and pray that the outcome of our joint efforts will inspire our citizens to participate more actively in the shared task of nation building,” Duterte said. (PNA) – jlo
