Funding sought to improve Hagnaya Port

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board is seeking P70 million funding to improve the Hagnaya Port in San Remigio town in northern Cebu.

The PB, through a resolution sponsored by Board Member Horacio Franco, has requested the assistance of Senator Risa Hontiveros in the allocation of the said amount.

The old Hagnaya Port serves as gateway to and from Bantayan Island and Cauwayan in Masbate Province.

Franco said the constant use of the port has caused some damage that needs to be looked into to ensure the safety of the people using it.

“There is a need also to develop the Hagnaya Port to live up with the demands of this modern time by introducing new improvements to its structure and facilities,” Franco said.

Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon agreed that there is a need to expand the Hagnaya Port and develop the port of Kawit in Medellin and Baigad in Bantayan.

He said he already requested the Department of Transportation for funding.

“But thanks to his (Franco) help,” Salimbangon said.

Alex Tan, owner of Island Shipping Corporation which is operating Hagnaya-Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island route, said the port backup area should be the priority.

“Walay working or back-up area and Hagnaya Port, lisud kaayo sa loading ug unloading. Plus passenger terminal,” Tan told The Freeman.

Franco said considering that improving the Hagnaya Port entails a bigger budget, it is deemed wise and appropriate to seek assistance from other sources and from national officials.

It was also Franco who secured P230 million from Senators Hontiveros, Benigno Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV, Loren Legarda, and Sonny Angara with counterpart funding from the Department of Health for the construction of four new buildings for the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City.

Last February, Hontiveros attended the groundbreaking of the project that will increase the hospital’s current bed capacity from 75 to 200.

The hospital improvement will spare the residents in Northern Cebu from going to Cebu City for medical examination and treatment. —/FPL (FREEMAN)