Talisay deal with shipping firm 'to spur more growth'

CEBU, Philippines – The consummation of a 25-year contract with a private firm granting the latter authority to operate two ports in Talisay is expected to spur more economic growth in the city.

In a press conference yesterday, Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said he is optimistic that the new venture will pave the way for the city's further development.

Talisay, a second class city, has allowed Asian Marine Transport Corp.  to manage the roll-on, roll-off port and the fish port in a 2.4-hectare lot in Barangay San Roque.

"Our aim is to help the Talisaynons. Kaning fish port nato, dugay na kaayo ni wala magamit unya nag-gasto ang kagamhanan sa maong fish port nga wala'y income," De los Reyes told reporters.

The city has already given the shipping firm the green light for the fish port's operation, while it is still waiting for Cebu Port Authority's approval for the RORO port.

"I am writing today to express my sincere hope that you will act on behalf of the best interest of our constituents and the greater Cebu by ultimately voting in favor of the idle fish port and unfinished RORO port to be finally operated within this year by Asian Marine headed by Paul Rodriguez," De los Reyes said in his letter to CPA general manager Edmund Tan on February 16.

According to the mayor, one of the terms and conditions under the contract with AMTC is to hire workers from Talisay in compliance with the city government's "Adopt a Talisaynon" program.

The program mandates business establishments in Talisay to allot about 40 percent of their job openings for the city residents.

Girlie Vallagomesa, AMTC human resource manager, assured the mayor they will be hiring workers from the city as soon as they start operating.

Vallagomesa shared there are 10 job vacancies in the firm at present. The mayor can then endorse the names of qualified residents for the jobs.

Last February 22, De los Reyes and AMTC chief executive officer Paul Rodriguez signed the lease contract for the shipping firm to  pay the city government P800,000 a month for the use of the lot.

AMTC has earlier said it will utilize the RORO port as a major logistic hub from Manila and Batangas to the entire Visayas and Mindanao, linking Talisay City directly to major destinations such as Manila, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Bacolod, Iloilo and Masbate.