CPA to improve port services

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Ports Authority plans to improve its passenger services in different port terminals in Cebu.

The CPA's plans and projects for passenger services consist of, among others, improvement of port facilities, regulation of porterage fees, and improvement in transport and assistance services for embarking and disembarking passengers.

It reported that passenger traffic in the Baseport of Cebu City in 2012 was 16.2 million, higher than in 2011. Some 8.1 million of these are departing passengers while 8.09 million are arriving passengers.

The Outports in Mactan, Camotes, and Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island which are tourist destinations also have increased passenger traffic.

Official of the Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry and the National Economic Development Authority have observed that from a tourist or visitor's viewpoint, the current state of passenger services in the port terminals need to be improved for a more pleasant visitor experience.

In a meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council 7 last week, NEDA 7 director Buenaventura Go-Soco Jr. emphasized the significance of port terminal services in spelling a visitor experience and in sustaining tourism as an economic growth driver that will bring inclusive growth to rural areas.

A Technical Working Group, which conducted a study on the port terminal situation from the viewpoint of a visitor, is set to present its report during the RDC full council meeting on Thursday.

It is composed of the representatives of the Philippine Ports Authority, CPA, Department of Trade and Industry, DOT, NEDA, City Government of Cebu particularly the City Tourism Office; shipping association, and from academe.

Phase 1 of the TWG's work was to look into the services in the Cebu City Port.

During the EDC meeting, it was suggested that CPA could integrate into its plans and projects the initiatives of DOT in getting the support of Cebu Tourist Transport Operators to help supply taxi services.

The DOT planned for a satellite office to serve as Visitor Welcome Center/Helpdesk but the CPA is still looking for a strategic place where to put up the center.  (FREEMAN)