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Dipolog’s port development project has been allocated P550 million by the city government for initial funding needs to position the city as Western Mindanao’s gateway
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The future Dipolog port covers a total land area of 51,280 square meters in Brgy. Galas
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Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy eyes the port as a logistics hub and port of entry for trading activities within the BIMP-EAGA sub-region
Dipolog City has earmarked P550 million to kickstart its port development project that aims to position Zamboanga del Norte’s capital as the economic gateway to Western Mindanao.
The project covers a total land area of 51,280 square meters in Brgy. Galas, Dipolog City, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said in a recent statement.
“We have a P550-million available budget for the port, but, in the long run, we would need additional fund support from potential partners and the national government,” Dipolog Mayor Darel Dexter Uy said.
He added the port could serve as a logistics hub and port of entry for trading activities within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“The logistics hub will be a huge help to the local economy since we can introduce to the public direct trading activities between Dipolog and its counterpart nearby cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as economically take advantage of its proximity to our neighboring countries in the BIMP-EAGA sub-region,” Bureau of Customs officer Duval Bisnar added.
The Philippine Ports Authority’s Dipolog port management office, which operates Dipolog port, reported a significant increase in average ship calls and cargo services in 2020-2021. No exact figures were provided though.
Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 9 supported the proposal to establish a centralized logistics hub, but noted that expansion of the key roads and national highways connecting to the port should be prioritized to complement the required passenger and cargo traffic.
MinDA, as member of the technical working group for the Dipolog port development project, recommended a business case study on the project to establish the most viable options that the city government could pursue once all the necessary legwork and consultations have been completed.
