Davao Integrated Port and Stevedoring Services Corporation (DIPSSCOR), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), is wrapping up its operations at Davao City’s Sasa Wharf to give way to a new operator.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, ICTSI said it was recently informed that a notice was issued by the Philippine Ports Authority to the new operator to commence with the work and perform the services under the port terminal management contract for Port of Sasa.

“In view of the foregoing, DIPSSCOR will immediately unwind its operations at Sasa Wharf in coordination with PPA,” said ICTSI.

DIPPSCOR previously held a ten-year contract with Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for cargo handling services at Sasa Wharf, Port of Davao, which expired in 2016.

The firm continued its operations under a hold-over authority on a temporary basis since April 20, 2016 effective until PPA has formally given the port terminal management contract for Port of Sasa to a new operator.

The management contract for the Sasa Port was awarded to the Joint Venture of GlobalPort Terminals, Inc. and GlobalPort Ozamis Terminal, Inc. It has a concession fee of P8.64 billion.

Sasa Wharf is situated on the southeastern coast of Mindanao Island, and is bounded on the east by the islands of Samal and Talikod along the Pakiputan Strait of Davao Gulf.

Among other commodities, Davao-grown bananas intended for export markets, especially Asia, pass through the Sasa port. Bananas are among the Philippines’ top agricultural export products.