President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday led the simultaneous inauguration of eight integrated seaport development projects in the provinces of Mindoro and the inspection of the Calapan Port Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) in Calapan City, which he said could improve mobility and productivity and help boost economic growth.
“These accomplishments were made under our Build, Build, Build Program. We also look forward to the completion of five ongoing improvement of facilities in the area,” President Duterte said in a speech during the inauguration rites held in Calapan City.
“The island of Mindoro plays a significant role in boosting the country’s interconnectivity as it serves as a gateway for passengers and goods coming from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao and vice versa.”
Apart from seamlessly connecting these regions, the newly launched ports could also boost the tourism industry in the island of Mindoro and nearby areas.
These projects, he said, affirm the government’s strong commitment to improve the lives of Filipinos by pursuing vital infrastructure projects, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, the President made an assurance that his administration is focused on addressing the current and future needs of the country through all its policies and programs.
He also made a renewed call to state workers as well as those from the private sector to continue working together to achieve inclusive progress, allowing much needed public services to become more responsive and accessible.
The integrated seaport projects, totaling less than P800 million, include two port projects in the Port of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, as well as port projects in the Ports of Calapan, Puerto Galera, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Bansud and Roxas.
Highlighting the simultaneous inauguration is the ongoing expansion of the Port of Calapan’s passenger terminal building, now considered the biggest in the country.
The port’s PTB, the largest to be built under the Duterte administration, can accommodate 3,500 passengers at any given time.
The newly inaugurated seaport projects are expected to enhance local businesses and employment opportunities, improve inter-island travel and cargo movement between Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and neighboring provinces.
The Duterte government has so far completed 484 seaport projects under the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure program in more than five years. More than 100 similar projects are set to be finished.
Also in attendance Thursday were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Daniel Santiago, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito Dolor, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, and other Mindoro local officials.
