PPA allots P176M for 3 port projs

MANILA, Philippines - State-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has earmarked P176 million for the construction of seaport development projects in Bohol, Marinduque, and Surigao del Norte.

In an invitation to bid, the port regulator is spending close to P59 million for the construction of a new passenger terminal building at the Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol.

The project entails the construction of the building in a 1,700 square meter portion of the port that would include a roof deck as well as removal works, pile foundation, earthworks, structural, finishing or architectural, gang chairs as well as plumbing and electro-mechanical works.

Interested bidders have until April 15 to submit their bids.

PPA has also earmarked P73.5 million for the construction of a wharf, roll-on roll-off (Roro) ramp, and back-up area at the Port of Balanacan in Mogpog, Marinduque.

The project covers the construction of a back-up area, removal of existing structures including the Roro ramp, passenger shed, pavement and deflector wall, among others.

PPA has given the interested bidders for the Marinduque project until April 14 to submit their bids.

On the other hand, the state-run agency is also spending P43.4 million for the construction of a back-up area, Roro ramp, site development and cargo shed at the Port of Dapa in Surigao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Deadline for the submission of bids for the project has been set on April 14.

Volume of cargo shipped in and out of the Philippines went up by three percent to reach 199.18 million metric tons last year from 193.44 million MT recorded in 2012 as the country booked a stronger than expected economic growth.

Cargo shipped within the Philippines inched up 1.44 percent to 76.77 million MT from 75.69 million MT while cargo shipped in and out of the country climbed 3.95 percent to 122.4 million MT from 117.75 million MT.

PPA general manager Juan Sta. Ana attributed the growth in cargo volume came from the robust exports and imports amid the sustained gross domestic product (GDP) growth last year.

“It is worth noting that as of the end of 2013, both import and export grew by 3.25 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively,” Sta. Ana stressed.

Private ports handled 122.16 million MT accounting for 61.3 percent of the total cargo volume last year while government-run ports handled 77.02million MT for a share of 38.7 percent.