For possible rehab CPA: Quake-damaged ports under assessment

CEBU, Philippines — Nearly a year after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake damaged several key ports in northern Cebu, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) said rehabilitation plans remain dependent on ongoing engineering and geological studies that will determine whether the affected sites can still safely host port facilities.

During the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu's regular session, CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III reported that comprehensive assessments are being conducted in the ports of Hagnaya in San Remigio, Kawit in Medellin, and Polambato in Bogo City, all of which sustained damage following the earthquake on September 30, 2025.

Comendador appeared before the Provincial Board pursuant to Resolution No. 1949-2026 authored by Board Member Celestino Martinez III, which sought updates on the condition of the ports and discussions on revenue-sharing arrangements between the CPA and local government units (LGUs).

Among the affected facilities, the Port of Hagnaya in San Remigio remains one of the primary concerns due to observed ground subsidence following the earthquake.

The CPA said studies are expected to provide crucial information on whether rehabilitation can proceed at the existing location or whether authorities may have to consider relocating port operations.

“What concerns us most is if the study will prohibit the continuing use of the area,” Comendador told the Provincial Board.

He explained that one possible outcome of the assessment could be a recommendation against rebuilding in the same site if geological conditions prove unsafe.

“Dili na pwede butangan og pantalan kay nagsige padayon og us-us,” he said, referring to the possibility of continued ground subsidence in the area.

Because of this, the CPA is also looking into identifying alternative locations should the studies conclude that the present sites are no longer suitable for port operations.

Despite the uncertainty, CPA officials assured local leaders that funding for the affected ports will be included in the agency’s proposed 2027 budget.

“We can assure you with the presence of our commissioners, all these projects will be included in the 2027 budget especially for the three municipalities of Bogo, San Remigio, and Medellin,” Comendador said.

He also addressed concerns raised by Martinez regarding possible delays in rehabilitation given that the studies are expected to be completed only in November this year.

Comendador explained that the CPA follows a different budgeting timetable from the national government’s General Appropriations Act process.

“Based on our charter, as far as December pwede pa ta makapasar pa ta sa budget. Enough time pa para mahuwat nato ang study,” he said.

The ongoing studies are being conducted by POIEL Engineering and Management Services, which was contracted by the CPA to undertake engineering, geological, and geohazard assessments for the affected ports.

According to CPA Engineer Fernan Norven Abangan, the contract took effect on April 30, 2026 and carries a duration of 210 calendar days, with completion targeted on November 25, 2026.

Abangan said the authority adopted a scientific approach in addressing the damage caused by the earthquake.

“Following the earthquake, the authority came to have a scientific approach in the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged ports,” he said.

The consultant has already completed preliminary data gathering as of May 31 and is currently undertaking field investigations that include topographic surveys, bathymetric studies, and geotechnical assessments.

Abangan said the CPA and the local government of San Remigio agreed to prioritize studies at Hagnaya Port so repairs can be implemented there first if conditions allow.

For June, the consultant is carrying out engineering and geological mapping, geohazard identification, documentation activities, and detailed topographic surveys.

The consultant has likewise completed reconnaissance mapping of fault lines and fissures around Hagnaya Port, including areas affected by subsidence.

Geotechnical investigations, including ground-penetrating radar surveys, have also been conducted in Hagnaya, Polambato, and Kawit ports, alongside seismic and ground-motion assessments.

Abangan said geohazard analysis around the Hagnaya port area has likewise been completed, while borehole investigations are scheduled this month and are expected to provide additional information on subsurface conditions.

In Polambato, one concern is the proximity of the Bogo Fault to existing port facilities.

Comendador noted that the fault line is located within approximately 100 meters of current port operations, making the results of the borehole studies critical in determining whether reconstruction can proceed at the site.

“After borehole activities didto pa mahibaw-an kung unsa gyud status, pwede pa ba siya tukuran o dili,” he said.

The damaged condition of the ports has also affected maritime operations in northern Cebu, with some shipping lines transferring operations to the Port of Maya.

Asked when those shipping companies could return, Comendador said the decision would largely depend on the outcome of the studies.

“Makabalik sila una kung favorable ang study,” he said.

At present, limited operations continue at Hagnaya Port under certain conditions.

Abangan said sea water has been observed encroaching into portions of the port during high tide due to subsidence documented by the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas.

As a result, only designated sections of the port remain operational, while recently completed minor rehabilitation works have allowed some previously restricted areas to resume use during low-tide conditions.

The CPA has also identified several major rehabilitation projects, including repairs at Hagnaya Port, reconstruction works in Polambato and Kawit ports, and the removal of submerged concrete obstructions.

These projects carry a combined estimated cost of P545 million, although implementation will remain subject to the findings of the ongoing engineering and geohazard studies.

Should the assessments yield favorable results, the CPA expects to engage contractors for full-scale rehabilitation beginning next year.

However, officials acknowledged that actual completion of repairs may take longer, with rehabilitation of the affected ports likely extending until late 2027 or even into 2028 before normal operations are fully restored. — (FREEMAN)