PPA allots P155M for port works

MANILA, Philippines -  The state-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has earmarked P155 million for the construction and improvement of four major ports in anticipation of the increased passengers and cargo volume in the country.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has issued an invitation to bid for port projects in Iloilo, Oriental Mindoro, Surigao, and Negros Occidental.

“This infrastructure project is being undertaken in anticipation of the increased passengers and cargo throughput in the Philippines,” the DOTC said.

The biggest amount would go to the development project of the Iloilo River Wharf which entails the construction of berthing facilities, used tire truck fender, T-head, mooring bollard, and Ro-Ro ramp, among others.

The PPA also allotted P17 million for the construction of standard Ro-ro ramp, reinforced concrete platform including foundation piles, mooring fixtures, and fenders at the Port of Roxas in Oriental Mindoro.

It is also spending P14.5 million for the construction of 103 units single covered path walk and 89 units double covered path walk, complete with roofing and painting at the Port of San Carlos, Negros Occidental while P13.7 million would be used for the construction of a one-storey cargo shed and plumbing and electrical works at the Port of Surigao, Surigao City.

Earlier, the DOTC earmarked P215 million to construct and rehabilitate 31 municipal ports in order to enhance sea and waterways transport in the country.

Areas covered by the infrastructure boost include Jolo, Sulu; Lupon, Davao Oriental; Plaridel, Pulilan; Balagtas in Bulacan; Gumaca and Mauban in Quezon; Bansud in Mindoro Oriental; Castilla in Sorsogon; Pio Duran in Albay; Virac in Catanduanes; and 12 ports in Eastern Samar.

The Aquino government is boosting government spending as the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) posted a surprising growth of 6.1 percent in the first half of the year.