Capitol endorses Talisay request on port management

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol has endorsed to Cebu Port Authority the request of Talisay City to manage the operation and maintenance of a roll-on, roll-off port in the city which is under the jurisdiction of the port body.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III sent last week the endorsement letters to CPA general manager Edmund Tan and Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya upon the request of the Talisay City government.

In an interview, Davide explained the province's support to the delegation of the RORO port to the city, saying since the port remains idle until now, it would be better to have it developed and managed by the city government.

The governor believed Talisay City is capable of operating the port.

He added that the port would help spur economic activities in the city and province once its development is materialized.

"It (port) would help decongest the traffic sa ports in Cebu City, including Mandaue (City)," Davide told reporters.

In a separate interview, Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante said he is optimistic that the project will push through and render positive result.

He said the city is expected to gain from the operation of the port, including the collection of port fees like berthing charges and wharfage.

"There is an immediate need for new ports within Metro Cebu kay puno na gyud atong mga pantalan," he added.

Earlier, the Asian Marine Transport Corp. said it will be investing over P500 million for the development and extension of the port.

The RORO port is eyed to be the major logistics hub for activities from Manila and Batangas to the Visayas and Mindanao.

Talisay City government signed a lease contract with the company for the use of the city's 2.4-hectare lot where the Talisay fish port and RORO port are located. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga (FREEMAN)