Port projects resume

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Port Authority is set to implement the completion and development of sea ports in northern Cebu and in Camotes Island amounting to more than P100 million anytime soon.

Fourth district Representative Benhur Salimbangon announced that the budget contained in the General Appropriations Act of 2015 is now with the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“It’s just a matter of finalizing the program of works, bidding and the usual process,” he said.

CPA will conduct the bidding.

Salimbangon said the approved budget includes P40 million for the completion of Maya Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) port; P22 million for the development of a port in Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan; and P14 million for Kinatarcan port in Santa Fe, all in the fourth district.

Salimbangon said he will also push for budget for another port development in Tabogon for next year.

Another P40 million was also approved for the development of a port in Camotes Island in the fifth district which was pushed by Rep. Felix Joseph “Ace” Durano.

“I hope ma-implement before election, it will be bid out. Importante naa na ang budget, anytime masugdan na,” Salimbangon added.

Salimbangon earlier submitted to DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya the proposed budget of P40 million for the port in Poblacion, Tabogon; P20 million for the port in Malapascua; P10 million for the airport in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island; and P14 million for the construction of port in Kinatarcan.

The Maya RoRo Port was started during the time of then governor, now third district Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, but was stopped when she was suspended as governor six months before the end of her term in 2013. —/NSA (FREEMAN)