Cebu port modernization on track

THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) yesterday announced that its projects geared for better service are rolling out well.

A bigger and more comfortable passenger terminal in Pier 1 according to Karen Gonzales, CPA media liaison officer will be operational in December, just as passenger traffic is at its highest because of the Christmas season.

The P50.69 million pesos project will have a passenger capacity of 1,387 at a time, compared to the old facility which can only hold 800 persons.

The CPA said Gonzales is also repairing the under deck of Pier 1 to ensure its structural integrity.

The P108 million project will replace dilapidated beams and post under the port. The structures explained Gonzales was constructed in 1930.

“It has been so dilapidated and it posed a constant safety hazards to the people.”

Gonzales told Cebu Daily News that with the completion of work in Pier 1, Cebu which hosts up to 80 percent of shipping traffic in the Visayas can be proud of modern port facilities.

It can be recalled that last May, the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council 7 has commissioned a study on the state of seaport passenger terminals in Central Visayas.

The objective of the study is to improve passenger services to attract more tourists and provide decent and comfortable services to sea travelers in the region composed of four island provinces – Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor.

Aside from serving domestic passenger and cargo vessels, the CPA has direct linkages to international ports in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

The CPA also manages subports in Mandaue, Danao and Toledo cities and Santa Fe in Bantayan Island and Argao.

For domestic ports, Cebu has sub ports which is located in Mandaue City, Danao City, Sta. Fe, Toledo City, and Argao.