THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Pacific Consultants International Phils., Inc. for the conduct of a feasibility study on the rehabilitation and modernization of 10 roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) terminals. The terminals link the Maharlika Highway which connects Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao. PPA said Pacific Consultants will undertake the study and prepare the project proposal using its own funds. It will also endorse the project for possible availment of official development assistance funds.
Pacific Consultants has earlier been involved in port development projects undertaken by PPA. The proposed master plan and preliminary study will cover the improvement of existing port facilities, including additional ro-ro berths and modernization of the terminal building in Matnog port in Sorsogon. It will also include a study on the alternative use or re-development of existing port facilities for different purposes as fishery port, municipality port, oil and other bulk terminals in San Isidro port in Northern Samar and Liloan port in Southern Leyte.
PPA said it is strongly considering the development of a new port in Lipata, Surigao del Norte and the improvement of port facilities in Pulawan port in Zamboanga del Norte to cater to ro-ro vessels. The port agency said it will also work on the development of new public ports in Allen in Northern Samar, San Ricardo in Southern Leyte, Bonbonon and Sibulan in Negros Oriental and Santander in Cebu.
