DOTr to develop two Iloilo ports

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to upgrade two ports in the northern part of the province of Iloilo in a bid to add more to the pipeline to raise the economic potential of the region.

The DOTr, in separate invitations to bid posted on April 23, sought bidders for the Tagubanhan and Punta Buri ports, both located on a wooded island in the town of Ajuy.

The DOTr has allocated P9.347 million for expanding the backup area at Tagubanhan port and P19.356 million for improving the rock causeway at Punta Buri port.

Both the Tagabunhan and Punta Buri port projects were considered part of the Regional Development Council-Western Visayas’ priority programs and projects for 2023-2028.

The development of the two ports is among the top 30 priority programs and projects outlined by the Regional Development Council-Western Visayas for 2023-2028.

Bidding for the projects will follow open competitive procedures, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for May 2 and bid submissions due by May 14.

The DOTr’s 2024 budget includes P26.028 billion for locally-funded projects, with plans to allocate P1.4 billion in 2025 for 14 roll-on/roll-off ports.

DOTr undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento previously emphasized the agency’s goal to complete 200 seaports, totaling P12.5 billion, by 2028 to enhance connectivity among remote islands.

The development of the two ports in Ajuy is on top of the expansion and development of the Visayas Container Terminal (formerly Iloilo Commercial Port Complex) in Lapuz, Iloilo City.

The Iloilo port’s development is undertaken by Enrique Razon Jr.’s International Container Terminal Services, Inc.