THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) yesterday started the reconstruction of the Jose Panganiban Port in Camarines Norte which is targeted to be completed by the fourth quarter of next year.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago led the groundbreaking ceremony with Senator Robin Padilla as the guest of honor and the local officials of Camarines Norte.
The Jose Panganiban Port, located in Barangay Osmeña, had export cargo operations before the pandemic and has recorded 8,673 metric tons (MT) of foreign cargo.
“This will greatly help our compatriots in Camarines Norte, especially since it will serve as a logistics hub because of its strategic location in the middle of the Bicol region and the National Capital Region. The local products of Camarines Norte will have a bridge through the PPA port to reach neighboring countries,” said Santiago.
The P543-million port improvement project involves the reconstruction of the RC wharf, an extension of the RC wharf on fill and removal, and excavation works which are slated to be completed in November 2025.
PPA expects the port, once finished, to record 18,516 MT of foreign cargo and to operate two non-roll on, roll off vessels by 2032.
Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla said the project will be helpful for the importation of local products of Camarines Norte, such as coconut and by-products, iron ore, silica, copra and others.
“If it wasn’t for him, the reconstruction of our seaport would not have continued and I see the dynamics of the national government now where the focus is on the modernization of our ports. On behalf of the people of Camarines Norte, let’s thank and applaud the general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority,” the governor said.
PPA said the Jose Panganiban Port Improvement Project is part of its mission to modernize the ports to develop the country’s seaports and maritime industry.
