Cagayan execs to revive port to boost trade

SANTA ANA, Cagayan — The Regional Development Council (RDC) on Friday approved plans to reactivate the Aparri Port in an effort to open the country’s northern frontier to trade and commerce and fast track the movement of goods in northern Luzon.

The RDC said its decision would also help fortify the country’s sovereign rights over the Philippine Rise.

The RDC asked the Philippine Ports Authority to lead a feasibility study for the revived port, as well as for plans to dredge the silted Cagayan River.

“The feasibility study is crucial in the delineation of the port zone,” the council said.

Idle for 10 years

The port would take in agricultural products and other goods to complement other northern Luzon ports, like Claveria town in Cagayan province and Currimao town in Ilocos Norte province.

No ship has docked in Aparri in the last 10 years because of heavy siltation traced to the Cagayan River.

Also on Friday, officials of the Cagayan Freeport Zone discussed technological upgrades for the Lal-lo International Airport. —Melvin Gascon