Agencies urged to fast-track construction of new international port

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar has filed House Resolution No. 2339 directing the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Cebu Port Authority to fast-track the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port.

The same resolution recently filed in Congress also directs the National Economic and Development Authority to prioritize the evaluation and approval of the project.

On July 16, 2015, Del Mar said the Cebu Port Commission (CPC), during its 79th Regular Board Meeting, passed Resolution No. 367-2015 endorsing the New Cebu International Container Port Project to DOTC for further endorsement to NEDA.

The feasibility study conducted by the South Korean government on the proposed project in Consolacion has reportedly been completed and endorsed to NEDA for approval.

DOTC Undersecretary Julianito Bucayan Jr. earlier said the government will seek a $200-million loan from the Korea Export Import Bank for the project, which, if approved, would be implemented middle of next year and completed in 2019.

Del Mar was the principal author of the creation of CPA through Republic Act 7621 that was approved on June 26, 1992 as a government-owned and controlled corporation under the supervision of the DOTC for purposes of policy coordination.

He said the CPA has continuously improved its services and increased its revenues over the years from the beginning of its operation in 1996 as a separate and autonomous port body after a three-year transition period from the Philippine Ports Authority.

As of December 2014, CPA has exceeded its target by 32 percent, hitting the P1 billion-mark for the very first time by generating P1.220 billion in revenues.

Other accomplishments include the improvement of its port facilities by completing several port infrastructure projects, thereby enhancing the convenience, comfort and safety of port stakeholders and the public in general.

Del Mar said that due to the shallow draft at 8.5 meters and the limited berthing space at the Cebu International Port, CPA is unable to accommodate more foreign vessels especially Panamax-sized vessels.

The envisioned New Cebu International Container Port is geared to meet the demands of the dynamic and fast growing economy of Cebu, with expected effects such as increase in cargo traffic in Cebu ports; mitigation of congestion both inside and outside the port area; efficiency in the transport of goods; provide an opportunity to develop industries with a lot of potential due to improved cargo handling capacity; bring further progress to the whole province of Cebu; and spur maritime trade and commerce in the region. —/NSA (FREEMAN)