RDC head hits delay in RoRo program

MANILA, Philippines - Regional Development Council for Western Visayas (RDC 6) and Capiz Governor Victor Tanco recently deplored the delay in the implementation of sea-based infrastructure projects like the French Government-assisted Modular Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) project, in the islands under RDC 6 jurisdiction. Calling the delay as going “against public welfare” he said that while government agencies deliberate the viability of French Modular RoRo project, which was set to deliver 72 ports throughout the archipelago, “socio-economic development, and the impact to people’s lives is put on hold.”

“Western Visayas has some of the most productive and picturesque islands in the Philippines,” he said. “Without question or argument, RoRo ports will enable the movement in bulk of goods and people between provinces and regions. That’s real economic potential in terms of trade and tourism. I cannot understand how this overarching goal can be deprioritized.”

He said that he understands that the DOTC is merely “seeking the best deal” for the Philippine government, but added, “isn’t delivering development, jobs, tourists and trade to areas that need them most the best deal for the government? It’s been over a year since the French project was approved and a downpayment of P1.5 billion was already made in 2009. It seems there is no regard for the fact that every day’s delay incurs the government an interest cost of money, as stipulated by an international agreement. Besides that, imagine how many lives could have already been changed for the better by now. Currently, there is nothing.”

Tanco said that infrastructure projects that have proven paths to delivering socio-economic development are immediately essential. “We’re an archipelago. We need to link the islands. It’s that basic. This is what RoRo ports would do,” he said.

Reacting to a Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Leasing Corp. claims 46 RoRo ports were built by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) at between P40 million to P50 million, he said, “It’s highly unlikely. Maybe this is the counterpart of private sector. The port in Pulupandan (Negros Occidental) cost P333 million and counting. That alone would have been sufficient to build enough ports to address the current backlog.” Earlier, Congressman Florencio Miraflores (LP) of Aklan , mentioned that the Caticlan port was built 12 years ago at the cost of P45 million, however 12 years ago. He clarified, however that the provincial government was forced to spend again to refurbish a portion of the port which collapsed two years later.