LGUs sign deal with DPWH, DOTr to develop port projects in Albay, Quezon

MANILA, Philippines — Some local government units (LGUs) in Albay signed a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the First District of Quezon to create port development projects in the region.

These include the Baybay Port in Malinao and Sogod Port in Tiwi — both in Albay —and an improvement project in Burdeos Port in Quezon.

According to Transportation Undersecretary Elmer Francisco Sarmiento, the projects would help fishers in the region and bolster the economy.

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“These ports and their improvements aim to better cater to our fisherfolks in both towns. And, since these are development ports, the government is supporting both towns to have an improved economy and to connect the economies of both towns to bigger island economies,” Sarmiento said.

Meanwhile, the mayors think the projects would be of great help to their local governments.

“This [Baybay Port] will be a great help to our town for fishermen who transport their catch,” Malinao Mayor Sheryl Bilo said in Filipino.

“This port facility will support the handling of exporting tuna because we have a fish landing. And abroad, especially in Europe, they have strict standards. Second, the town is a pilgrim town, so this port development project will also help.”