The state-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has awarded various contracts to private companies for the expansion and modernization of four seaport projects that has a total combined cost of over P3.2 billion.
According to documents posted on the PPA website, the agency has issued a notice of award to Premium Megastructures Inc. for the construction of a cruise ship port in Sitio Hondura, Barangay Poblacion, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, valued at P704.5 million.
The construction of a crane railway and the installation of a quay crane at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (CPC) in Loboc, Lapaz, Iloilo City, with a project value of P1.789 billion was awarded to Jarzoe Builder Inc.
In addition, PPA said a P440 million contract for the expansion of the San Jose Port in Dinagat Island was awarded to Khan Kon Chi Construction and Development Corporation and the P262.2 million Roxas port expansion project in the Port of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro was awarded to Orient Star Construction Inc.
This year, the PPA said it is investing in the construction of dedicated cruise terminals at several ports across the country to accommodate the anticipated 30 percent growth in cruise tourism.
PPA is expecting a cruise passenger arrival to grow by 29.8 percent to 185,000 this year from 142,574 passengers recorded last year.
To support the expanding cruise tourism sector, the PPA is focusing on new and upgraded port infrastructure.
This includes the construction of dedicated cruise terminals in Coron, Aklan, and Camiguin, as well as a cruise ship port in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.
PPA earlier said it has completed the construction of a dedicated cruise port at the Jubang Port Cruise Ship Terminal in Dapa, Surigao del Norte last year
With these ongoing developments, the PPA aims to further elevate the Philippines’ position as a premier cruise destination, stimulate local economies, and showcase the country’s top tourist attractions to the world.
