Port development to boost regional economic growth

CEBU, Philippines - The regional port development, if realized, can boost the robust economic performance of the region and fuel the growth of other economic drivers given the increase of port activities to and from Central Visayas.

This was pointed out by National Economic and Development Authority regional director Buenaventura Go-Soco, Jr. in his presentation on the outlook, opportunities and growth areas for regional port development during the 2nd Visayas Cargo-Handling Operations Excellence Forum last July 26.

He told industry stakeholders that the heightened economic activity and people movement result to the need to develop the ports in the region so as to address the growing number of port activities, cater to the influx of domestic and foreign tourists and avoid possible accidents.

“There is a need to facilitate the movement of passengers and cargo in our ports since with the present practice, accidents are bound to happen anytime,” he stated.

Go-Soco said that the Region 7 is considered to be a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth particularly in terms of construction, manufacturing, trade, real estate and other business activities.

The ports have paved the way for the job generation, attraction of more tourists coming in and increased passenger and cargo traffic in the region, he said.

He said that this is evident as the Cebu-based port is getting already congested since it caters to both domestic and international shipping lines while the Tubigon and Tagbilaran ports are fast becoming the gateway of tourists going to Bohol.

He particularly cited that the vibrant economic performance of Central Visayas is primarily attributed to the manufacturing industry, business process management and tourism sectors.

For instance, he said that the business process outsourcing - information technology (BPO-IT) industry has drawn migrants into the region.

Go-Soco then noted that such economic drivers will further exhibit robust growth given the implementation of the port development in the region.

He said that the manufacturing sector, for example, which has recently posted signs of recovery shall attract more shipcalls to the region.

He further said that those ports in the provinces which are managed by local government units could now facilitate the movements of goods to and fro.

However, he noted that there should be a policy on the establishment of LGU-managed ports since these may crowd each other out for services and may not be feasible over time.

He cited the ports of Loay and Alburquerque in Bohol as examples in which both towns are adjoining each other.

Go-Soco also said that the region has to look into other challenges on the port development which include the improvement of port facilities for the convenience of passengers and the coordination with other agencies whose projects may be affected or may affect the seaport.

“An example here is the proposed Cebu International Port which is to be located within the Consolacion-Liloan shoreline. The need for an access road and a bridge must be addressed by the Department of Public Works and Highways so that the port operations will be well-facilitated,” he said.— /JMD (FREEMAN)