The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has initiated the development of the Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte, which is expected to boost the local economy once completed as it would support the planned establishment of a special economic zone in the province.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago will lead the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 19—the event will be graced by Sen. Robin C. Padilla and Camarines Norte Gov. Ricarte “Dong’ Padilla.
Funded with over P540 million from the PPA Corporate Budget, the development of the Port of Jose Panganiban will pave the way to the increased export of cargoes to major Philippine trading partners like the United States, Australia and China.
Based on the PPA data, the Port of Jose Panganiban registered 8,673 metric tons of foreign cargo handled at the port's anchorage in 2019. It also accommodated one foreign non-Roll on, Roll Off vessel in 2019.
“Based on the 8,673 metric tons of foreign cargoes and considering the economic growth rate of 6.01 percent, the Port of Jose Panganiban is expected to handle 18,516 metric tons of of foreign cargoes and two foreign non-RoRo vessels in 2032,” the project briefer read.
Planned improvements
Located in Barangay Osmeña, the Port of Jose Panganiban is approximately five kilometers away from the town proper. It is nearly two miles wide at the entrance between Calamabyanga Island and Pinandungan Points.
Existing facilities at the Port of Jose Panganiban consist of 135 l.m. reinforced concrete (RC) wharf; 12,707 square meter back-up area (9,838.68 sq.m. unpaved and 2,868.32 concrete paved at an elevation of about 2.40 meters), and 180 sq.m. PPA office building.
Based on the technical inspection at the Port of Jose Panganiban, the existing R.C. wharf is an old and dilapidated structure wherein there are cracks and holes on decks, exposed re-bars and broken piles.
As such, Santiago said the reconstruction of the R.C. wharf on piles and extension of R.C. wharf on fill is necessary to restore the operational efficiency and usability of the port.
He said elevation to +3 meters of the existing paved back-up area is necessary to align the same with the proposed R.C. wharf for the smooth traffic flow.
Long-term benefits
Santiago said the development of the Port of Jose Panganiban will support the planned establishment of the special economic zone also in Barangay Osmeña.
Based on the PPA data, the cargoes at the port consist mostly of metalliferous ores, products and scrap.
With its development, coconut and by-products, along with iron oil, silica, copra and other other products that are produced in the province will easily be exported outside the country using the Port of Jose Panganiban.
“The improvements at the Port of Jose Panganiban will improve the handling of the existing traffic and expected generated traffic with the establishment of a special economic zone near the port,” said Santiago.
The project is expected to be completed by November next year.