By Pearl Gumapos
The government is counting on the tourism industry to revive the economy as the country moves forward towards economic recovery amid the pandemic.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade, together with Philippine Ports Authority General Manager (PPA) Jay Daniel Santiago on Thursday (July 8) will lead the formal inauguration of the expanded Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur.
“Kumpara sa dating maiksi, makitid, at kulang-kulang na mga pasilidad nito, ngayon ay mas modern, safe, at kaaya-aya nang tingnan ang port.Kung dati ay hindi nito kayang tumanggap ng malalaking cruise tourism vessels, ngayon ay makakapag-serbisyo na ito sa mga cruise ships dahil sa mas pinalawak at pinabuting mga pasilidad,” DOTr said in a Facebook post.
“Ngayon, inaasahang mas aarangkada pa ang maritime connectivity and mobility at tourism opportunities sa buong Ilokandia, at magiging mas convenient na rin ang serbisyo ng port sa mga pasahero.”
The completed development projects include the construction of the reinforced concrete (RC) Platform Back-Up Area and RC Pier Extension.
Salomague Port is being eyed as one of the cruise ports in the country.
“Sa pakikipag-kapit bisig natin sa Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) at lokal na pamahalaan, agaran na nasimulan ang rehabilitation at upgrade ng Salomague Port, na ganap ring nakumpleto noong April 20, 2021,” Tugade said in a Facebook post.
The completed development projects in Salomague Port are expected to promote local economic sufficiency as job opportunities, especially in the tourism sector, will be offered once the port becomes fully operational.
“Makatutulong ito sa pag-arangkada na ng sektor ng turismo sa rehiyon, makapag-bibigay din ng karagdagang employment opportunities sa ating mga kababayan,” Tugade said.
“Dagdag pa rito, magiging mas convenient at ligtas na rin ang serbisyo nito sa mga pasahero at cruise ship dahil sa mas pinabuting mga pasilidad ng pantalan,” he added.
Cruise calls to the country are expected to significantly increase, seeing as it is located near the tourist areas and beaches of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, as well as near the ports of Hong Kong and South China. -rir
