ORMOC CITY, Philippines — A P200-million port expansion project in this city has been presented by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to the City Council for approval.
PPA-Ormoc manager Glen Cabañez presented the proposal to the city council, citing port traffic congestion that necessitates the provision of additional space, which he termed as port zone delineation.
Cabañez said PPA is planning to spend P200 million for the proposed project to be taken from the corporate fund budget. The project is scheduled to be done in a 6 to 12-month period.
PPA's engineer Gerry Liguido said the money will be utilized for the constructions of ferry boat wharf, transit shed, back-up area, two roro ramps, passenger terminal and a 2-storey operations building on an almost-a-hectare coastal area.
The City Council did not oppose the proposal, but Councilor Claudio Larrazabal, transportation committee chairman, requested for a commitment from the PPA not to expand towards the south of the existing port that would block the view of the city's plaza-by-the-bay.
Cabañez assured city officials the PPA would comply with the request, as shown in the project plan. "We are expanding sideways towards the wet market located in the opposite direction of the plaza," she said.
Mayor Eric Codilla, for his part, told The FREEMAN that he favored the project and endorsed it for approval by the City Council. He however asked Cabañez never to put up tarpaulins announcing the project in the area and crediting it to efforts of some politicians. The ban on political posters must be complied with, said the mayor.
Cabañez replied with his assurance and declaration that this project is not a political one, but initiated and implemented by the PPA alone. (FREEMAN)