State-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to embark on large-scale ports construction, expansion and rehabilitation projects, valued at P5.85 billion in the first quarter of the year.
The undertaking involves 15 ports, and covers the construction of a new cruise ship terminal and the rehabilitation and expansion of existing facilities.
In an invitation to bid, PPA is seeking bidders for a P706-million contract to build a dedicated cruise ship port in Sitio Hondura, Barangay Poblacion, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The bids are scheduled to be opened on February 5, 2025.
The new port Puerto Galera is set for completion in over two years.
PPA said the modernization and expansion of dedicated cruise ports in the country will support the growing demand in this area of the tourism sector.
Expansion projects are also set for the San Jose Dinagat Port at a cost of P441.3 million; the Roxas, Oriental Mindoro Port for P262.9 million; the Guinsiliban Port, Camiguin for P126.7 million; the Tagbilaran Port for P633.4 million; and the Dingalan Port for P2.4 million.
Up for improvement and rehabilitation are the P2.1-billion Jose Panganiban Port in Camarines Norte, the P56.5-million Tagbilaran
Port, the P43.5-million Mati Port in Davao Oriental and the P87.9-million Surigao Port in Surigao del Norte.
Other major projects up for bidding are the proposed construction and offshore installation in aiding marine navigation for P394.9 million, as well as P400 million for the supply delivery installation and commissioning of vessel traffic management system in the Panay-Guimaras port, and replacement of rubber dock fender in Palawan for P109 million.
PPA said it allocated P16 billion last year for the expansion and modernization of major ports in the country. This undertaking is expected to last until the Marcos administration’s term of office. The allocation is equivalent to an estimated P3.5 billion to P4 billion a year from the national budget.
PPA has been ramping up the expansion and modernization of several ports in the country to address the likely surge in cargo and passenger traffic.
From December 15, 2024, until January 2, 2025, the total passenger traffic at the ports reached more than 3.6 million. The number is expected to go up further as people return from the holiday break.
In related developments, PPA also expects 674,000 passengers from January 3 to 5, based on last year’s passenger forecasts and data.
Jay Santiago, PPA general manager, said the ports anticipate the influx of returning passengers and continue to implement strict public safety measures. He called on passengers to book early and avoid long queues at ticketing booths of shipping lines.
Security remains on high alert status at all ports managed by the PPA across the country, with approximately 3,000 security personnel and force multipliers involved.
Malasakit help desks that provide immediate assistance to passengers in need are also in place, including K-9 units patrol and 24/7 CCTV monitoring, PPA added.
Among the Port Management Offices that recorded the largest number of passengers are the ports of Batangas, Bohol, Davao, Negros Oriental/Siquijor and Bicol.
