Mandaue looks forward to international port's transfer

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City’s economy would certainly perk up if the plan to transfer the Cebu International Port to the city materializes.

Lawyer Francisco Amit of the Mayor’s Management Team yesterday said that once the proposal of Cebu Ports Authority general manager Vicente Suazo Jr., gets the nod of the CPA board to transfer the CIP to Mandaue, it will spur the economy.

The plan guarantees more income for the city and more jobs for residents.

Amit said the city council would not object to the plan.

The proposed new international port will be around 50 hectares which would be enough to accommodate huge vessels far from its current 35 meters depth that limits vessels entering the port.

The plan specifies that the port would be located near the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge in sitio Pooc, barangay Ouano, an area which would be suitable to cargo ships from the north.

The budget for the construction of the new port is still undetermined since it is subject for discussion.

Suazo would want to meet Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes to discuss the plan once it will be approved by the CPA board.

CPA is separate and autonomous from the Philippine Ports Authority, though both are under the supervision of the Department of Transportation and Communications.   (FREEMAN NEWS)