Panama Canal-style waterway eyed in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — A Panama Canal-style waterway is being mulled for development in Mindanao to help facilitate trade, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

DOTr Undersecretary for maritime Felipe Judan said the project has been evaluated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for the past six months.

“The PPA is evaluating what we call a Panama Canal-style that is in Misamis going to Panguil Bay in order to reduce the route of local vessels. Remember, the Panama Canal is between the North America and the South America. Without that, ships will have to go around. So it’s the same concept,” he said.

“Instead of ships going around Sulu Sea, the canal will provide a straight route, so that will reduce cost and that will reduce time,” Judan added.

Judan said the project could span from as short as 12 kilometers (kms) to as long as 30 kms.

He said the soil that will be dredged could be used for infrastructure by the Department of Public Works and Highways. 

“There are pros and cons so we are evaluating the overall picture and economics,” Judan said.

“Definitely a big investment for that. It’s definitely viable in so far as investment is concerned. It will facilitate trade,” he added.

Judan said no decision has been made yet as to whether the project will be undertaken by the government or the private sector.

However, he said the project could commence construction within the Duterte administrations if found viable.

“It will take some time but if it is just 12 kms, if you start it now, then two years will be long enough to complete it,” he said.