PPA OKs P1.75 billion funding for new port, infrastructure upgrades

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has alloted P1.75 billion for the upgrade of two terminals in Luzon and Mindanao and the construction of a new one in Visayas as part of its push to scale up maritime infrastructure.

In a series of invitations to bid, the PPA said it would spend as much as P1.75 billion for port upgrades in Quezon and Surigao del Norte and construction of a new facility in Samar.

The PPA is putting up a new port in Catbalogan, Samar to provide Eastern Visayas with another infrastructure for trade and travel activities.

The project, costing P859.94 million, covers the establishment of a port operational area, bridged to two ramps for roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. It also includes the installation of a pump house and a power house and the construction of two gate complexes.

The new Catbalogan port is slated to be finished within 720 days. The Port of Catbalogan was severely damaged by Typhoon Uwan last year, with its wharf ruined by heavy rains.

The PPA will also spend P670.25 million for the second phase of the Plaridel Port Development Project, an undertaking to improve sea travel to central Quezon.

The project involves removal, disposal and excavation works to make way for the establishment of a port operational area with ro-ro ramp, access road and stair landing.

Similar to the Catbalogan contract, the infrastructure works on the Port of Plaridel must be completed within 720 days.

The PPA will also invest P217.74 million to enhance supporting facilities to the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Surigao del Norte. The Port of Jubang is made to dock cruise ships, and it leads tourists to surfing haven Siargao.

Under the new project, the PPA aims to build an access road to the port for ease of connectivity. The project also shoulders the boardwalking and landscaping of the terminal to make it easier for passengers to walk around.

The PPA will hold a pre-bid conference for the projects on Sept, 15 to respond to questions from prospective bidders.

Afterward, the agency scheduled the opening of bids on Sept. 29 for the Port of Plaridel; on Sept. 30 for the new Catbalogan terminal; and Oct. 1 for the Port of Jubang.