The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Heidi Nicodemus
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) with the Department of Transportation (DoTr) have committed to fast-tracking port improvements to better it’s performance and commitment to its mandate of public service.
This came following on-site inspections made by top officials led by acting Secretary Giovanni ‘Banoy’ Lopez and PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago to personally assess passenger experience and port operations in Bicol and Samar.
In both regions, the PPA is eyeing the upgrade of its port facilities, operations and manpower service to improve passenger experience, cargo flow and regional connectivity.
Acting Secretary Lopez and GM Santiago conducted a comprehensive visit to Matnog Port last February 1, followed by the Port of Amandeyahan the next day, to personally experience the conditions faced by passengers and cargo movers. The inspection formed part of a coordinated effort with national and local government units (LGUs) to deliver long-term, high-impact infrastructure projects, particularly the synchronized upgrading of ports and roads to improve connectivity and mobility.
In Matnog, the officials observed port operations firsthand and noted that the PPA already has plans in place to rehabilitate and modernize port facilities to reduce delays and enhance passenger comfort.
Discussions included the Sorsogon RoRo Terminal Expansion Project and the proposed expansion of the back-up or marshaling area to increase vehicle holding capacity and improve traffic circulation and turnaround time within the port.
According to the PPA, the agency is fully aligned with directives of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to make travel faster, safer and more comfortable for the public.
“The PPA will comply with the President’s directive to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of passengers and cargo, particularly in key gateway ports like here in Matnog, which we all know gets a bit crowded during peak season,” Santiago enthused.
On the other hand in Samar, Lopez underscored the Marcos administration’s priority on seamless maritime links, noting the need to address both passenger movement and the flow of goods.
“Habang inaayos po ni Secretary Vince (Vivencio Dizon) at ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) ang mga kalsada at tulay, aayusin din po namin ang mga pantalan at paliparan upang sa ganoon masasabi natin na we have good connectivity and mobility. not only of people, but more importantly, ng mga goods din po natin,” the transport chief highlighted.
The DoTr and PPA emphasized that the inspections being conducted nationwide are part of an ongoing hands-on approach to governance to craft practical solutions and accelerate the delivery of port upgrades across the country.