Central Visayas projects in support of shipping identified

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Central Visayas projects in support of shipping identified
For the shipping sector, National Economic and Development Authority Region 7 OIC Regional Director Dolores Molintas said the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 aims to pursue seamless road and port connectivity by implementing the Central Visayas Port Infrastructure and Road Network Development Program. PortCalls photo.
  • The National Economic and Development Authority Region 7 identified projects in Central Visayas aimed at supporting the shipping sector
  • The projects are part of strategies under the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028
  • The plan includes the New Cebu International Container Port and various rehabilitation projects for ports damaged by super typhoon Odette in 2021

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 7 has disclosed a list of projects in Central Visayas aimed at supporting the shipping sector, including the New Cebu International Container Port and rehabilitation projects for ports damaged by super typhoon Odette in 2021.

In a presentation at the PortCalls Visayas Shipping Conference 2023 on March 2 in Cebu City, NEDA Region 7 officer-in-charge regional director Dolores Molintas said the projects are part of the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023-2028. The RDP is anchored on the country’s long-term vision under AmBisyon Natin 2040 and is aligned with the administration’s eight-point socio-economic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Molintas said the Central Visayas RDP 2023-2028 was endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Sectoral Committees on February 14 and awaiting endorsement by the RDC Full Council on March 16, 2023.

Central Visayas consists of the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

Strategies under the RDC are classified into three groups. These include development geared towards the developing and protecting the capabilities of individuals and families; transforming the production sectors to generate quality jobs and competitive products, and providing an enabling environment.

For the shipping sector, Molintas said the RDP aims to pursue seamless road and port connectivity by implementing the Central Visayas Port Infrastructure and Road Network Development Program.

The development program also aims to encourage investments in the marine transit system to address the worsening congestion of major roads in Central Visayas.

Another strategy is to fast-track the implementation of projects and ensure that identified projects are ready for implementation once funding is secured. These projects include:

  • For Cebu province: Additional development for the ongoing construction of San Fernando Port
  • Bohol: Construction of a pier and access road for Loon Port and construction of back-up area with a continuous roll-on/roll-off ramp, as well as a port operations building in Tubigon
  • Negros Oriental: Construction of a new seaport to augment the capacity of Dumaguete Port; development of Tambobo Bay in Siaton; and improvement of Canibol Port in Bais City

Several rehabilitation projects for port infrastructure destroyed by super typhoon Odette in 2021 are also in the pipeline. These projects, which will be funded by the Cebu Port Authority, include:

  • Repair and rehabilitation of damaged road pavements in Punta Engaño, Cebu
  • Repair of damaged passenger terminal in Punta Engaño
  • Renovation of existing passenger terminal on Camotes Islands
  • Repair of damaged retaining wall on Camotes Islands
  • Repair of damaged road pavement in Dumanjug
  • Repair of damaged passenger terminal building in Dumanjug
  • Repair and rehabilitation of passenger terminal – Cebu baseport
  • Replacement of damaged X-ray machines in Cebu baseport
  • Repair of damaged terminal – Lapu-Lapu
  • Repair of damaged port management office (PMO) terminal in Danao City
  • Repair of damaged rock causeway in Danao City
  • Repair of terminal – Argao
  • Repair of PMO terminal – Toledo

Another project in the pipeline is the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), whose proposed new project cost, loan validity and implementation are up for approval by the NEDA Board.

Molintas said the original cost of the project was P9.9 billion, but the Department of Transportation has submitted a request to the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee to increase the project cost to P10.45 billion and extend the loan validity and implementation period.

RELATED READ: Higher cost for new Cebu container port project

NCICP will include a berthing facility with a 500-meter-long quay wall that can simultaneously accommodate two 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit vessels; operating facilities and structures for containers such as a freight station and an inspection shed; an access road and bridge; and a dredged waterway and turning basin.

Central Visayas’ economy grew 5.4% in 2021, contributing 6.45% to the country’s gross domestic product. Central Visayas’ GDP for 2022 is yet to be released, but the RDP already aims to grow the region’s economy by 6%-7% in 2023. For 2024 to 2028, the target annual GSP ranges from 6.5% to 8.5%. – Roumina Pablo

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