CIP to be transferred to Mandaue City?

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Port Authority plans to transfer the Cebu International Port to Mandaue City as its current location will be converted into commercial and business establishments and other tourism sites in order to compliment the development of the South Road Properties.

CPA general manager Viente Suazo Jr. however said that this is just his proposal and will still be subject for discussion by the CPA board, which is chaired by the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The powers and functions of the CPA in administering the Port of Cebu is vested in and exercised by the Cebu Port Commission composed of seven members.

The vice chairman is elected from among the remaining commissioners and is designated as the general manager.

Apart from the chairman, the commissioners are all appointed by the President of the Philippines, representing the shipowners and shipping operators, cargo-handling labor and business sectors.

Suazo said he will also seek a meeting with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes to discuss the plan.

He said that the new international port will be around 50 hectares which would be big enough to accommodate huge vessels.

The new international port, if the plan materializes, will be located near the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, which according to Suazo, would be very convenient for cargoes especially those coming from the north.

According to Suazo, the plan was still conceptualized way back in 1995 when during the term of former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo Ouano and was being discussed until the time of former Mayor Thadeo Ouano. However, he added that due to some unavoidable problems, it did not materialize.

He said that currently the CIP has a depth of only 35 meters and in order to accommodate bigger vessels, it has to have a depth of at least 150 meters.

“Limited ra gyud ang mga barko nga mudunggo sa atong pantalan kay gamay ra man gud,” Suazo said, adding CIP is only about 14 hectares including the domestic ports.

Suazo said that the current site of CIP could no longer be expanded as it will constrict the harbor.

Further, he explained that transferring to another site and expanding the international port would mean faster trade facilitation and an improved economic condition for Cebu as a whole as this will provide more employment opportunities.

Once the facility is transferred in Mandaue City, he said it will help decongest the sea traffic under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and Mandaue-Mactan Bridge as vessels will no longer have to pass through the two bridges.

“We need to have a world-class port. I hope this vision of my mine will be implemented under my term. This would bring convenience and would help the economy of Cebu in general,” Suazo added.

He however said that he does not know yet how much will be needed to construct the new international port.

CPA is distinct, separate, and autonomous from the Philippine Ports Authority, though both are under the supervision of the Department of Transportation and Communications for purposes of policy coordination.

CPA envisions a world-class port, complemented by a well-equipped and maintained network of ports, contributing to a globally competitive delivery of safe, efficient and effective port services manned by professional, skilled, dedicated and motivated personnel.

One of CPA’s objectives is to integrate and coordinate the planning, development, construction, and operations of ports and port facilities within its territorial jurisdiction, consistent with the needs and requirements of the region. — /WAB (THE FREEMAN)