DOTC sets 1-on-1 talks with Davao port bidders

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has issued the schedule of one-on-one meetings with pre-qualified bidders for the P18.99-billion Davao Sasa Port Modernization public-private partnership (PPP) project.

The DOTC said the one-on-one consultations with pre-qualified bidders would be held on Jan. 18 to 20 at the Philippine Ports Authority head office in Port Area in Manila.

The groups that have been pre-qualified to bid for the project are Asian Terminals Inc. – DP World FZE Consortium; Bollore Africa Logistics; International Container Terminal Services Inc.; Portek International Pte. Ltd. – National Marine Corp. Consortium; and San Miguel Holdings Corp. – APM Terminals Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Consortium.

The project covers the development of the existing Davao Sasa Port in Davao City into a modern, international-standard container terminal to improve trade access to Mindanao.

Under the 30-year cooperation period for the project, the winning private firm will be responsible for funding the construction and other development works at the port including the new apron, linear quay, expansion of the back-up area, container yards, warehouses, and the installation of new equipment like ship-to-shore cranes and rubber-tyred gantry.

The private partner will likewise be responsible in operating and maintaining the port.

The submission of bids for the project is set on Feb. 26.

The project is facing opposition from the city council and business community of Davao City.

The city council of Davao earlier issued a resolution to block the bidding of the project citing it was not consulted and has not given approval to the deal as provided for by the Local Government Code.

The business community of Davao also raised other concerns on the project such as possible worsening traffic congestion in Davao City as well as absence of a plan for cruise tourism.