Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago shows the June 19, 2024 copy of the Manila Bulletin that was placed inside a time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony for the development of the Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte. The ceremony was graced by Sen. Robin C. Padilla and Camarines Norte Gov, Ricarte “Dong” Padilla. (photo: PPA)
The development of the Port of Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte should come with government efforts to widen the road in order to maximize the economic potential not only of the province but also the nearby areas, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.
“There should be a synergy together with the Provincial Government (of Camarines Norte) and the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) in order to improve the road access, to widen it, so that the use of the port will not be limited,” said Santiago after the groundbreaking ceremony for the development of Port of Jose Panganiban on Wednesday, June 19.
“There will certainly be bigger ships once the development is done. But if the road access is limited, then it would be a big challenge so there is really a need to have synergy,” he added.
The development of the Port of Jose Panganiban, which is expected to be completed by November next year, is expected to boost the economy of Camarines Norte and other areas located in the northern part of Bicol region.
The project, funded with around P543 million from the PPA Corporate Budget, will provide better access to the local products of Camarines Norte to major trading partners of the Philippines 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.
Santiago said the port development will also support the planned establishment of the special economic zone also in Barangay Osmeña.
“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.