Villaba Port in Silad, Leyte has been reopened after completion of rehabilitation works and is now ready to serve bigger vessels. The port is also slated for further capacity expansion to promote local tourism and boost economic development.
Villaba Port was formally inaugurated on January 4 after the development project was completed in August 2019, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Among improvements made were the construction of the backup area, repair of damaged causeway, and enhancement of the reinforced concrete pier, allowing for accommodation of bigger vessels.
Following the port’s rehabilitation, DOTr said further improvements will still be done to promote economic growth and boost the tourism development of the municipality.
“What you have seen is just the beginning. Soon, we will add a roll-on, roll-off ramp and a passenger terminal building to this port in order to provide better service to the people,” DOTr assistant secretary for maritime Lino Dabi said.
DOTr said two shipping companies—SuperCat and Roble Shipping—have expressed their commitment to serve passengers at the port and ply the routes of Villaba to Bogo in Cebu, and vice versa.
Philippine Ports Authority Ormoc port manager Manny Boholano said the rehabilitation of the port will help attract investors that can increase maritime trade and support continued growth in the region.
The port opened 18 years ago but had since then been abandoned, according to Leyte 3rd district representative Vicente Veloso.
