The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are set to inaugurate three completed seaport projects in El Nido, Bataraza, and Coron, in Palawan on Friday, March 2021.
These inaugurations will signal the start of operations of the newly-constructed Port of San Fernando in El Nido; Port of Bataraza in Barangay Buliluyan, Bataraza; and Borac Port in Barangay Borac in Coron.
DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago will lead the triple event, while other officials from the national and local government units (LGUs) are expected to be in attendance.
Completed projects at the Port of San Fernando include the development of causeway, back-up area, and a reinforced concrete (RC) wharf with RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ramps.
Development works on the wharf, back-up area, and the port lighting system were accomplished over at the Port of Bataraza.
On the other hand, finished port projects at the Borac Port include the development of its back-up area, construction of concrete pavement, as well as the supply and installation of lamp posts, rubber dock fenders and mooring bollards.
The DOTr and the PPA, under the leadership of Secretary Tugade and GM Santiago, have been relentless in delivering vital infrastructure projects, including those in Palawan, despite the pandemic.
The three ports are integral parts of the regional transport infrastructure development, under the massive "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration.
The development of the three ports in Palawan is expected to significantly enhance the mobility and connectivity of people and goods in the province, and facilitate movement to major trading and tourism centers. The completed projects will also provide the public with a more convenient travel by sea. Moreover, these ports will bring economic growth to the province of Palawan.
The ports of San Fernando, Bataraza, and Borac are among the 424 completed seaport projects of the DOTr and PPA since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.