Ports improved to provide better access to northern Iloilo islands

Traveling to various islands in northern Iloilo towns will be easier, faster and more comfortable with the improvement of seaports.

The port improvement projects are undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH), Iloilo 3rd District Engineering Office, in convergence with Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Citing a report from District Engineer Ricardo R. Gutierrez, DPWH-6 Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado said Bancal Port in Carles, Iloilo is rehabilitated to provide better service to the people going to various islands in the town.

“Bancal port provides better access to “Isla de Gigantes” (Island of the Giants), which is one of the top tourist destinations in Panay Island, and to other island beaches in the town, hence, its improvement will boost local tourism Delfinado said.

Gutierrez said the P39.2-million rehabilitation project includes the strengthening of existing shore protection and construction of additional 20-meter structure.

“With the improvement of Bancal Port, transport of goods and services will be easier and faster and massive tourist arrival is expected to flock the famous Gigantes Island,” Gutierrez said.

The construction of four other ports in various towns in northern Iloilo through a convergence program of DPWH and DOTr were also completed.

The projects are the P25.9-million Granada Port in Brgy. Granada, Gigantes Norte, Carles; P11.5-million Lantangan Port in Brgy. Lantangan, Gigantes Sur, Carles; P12.2-million Tambaliza Port in Brgy. Tambaliza, Concepcion; and Polopiña Port in Brgy. Polopiña, Concepcion.

“These ports will also safeguard fishing and passenger boats as they could serve as anchorage during high tide and natural disasters,” Delfinado said

“Other than providing access to beautiful island destinations in northern Iloilo, the improvement of this ports will be beneficial to the people living in the islands of Carles and Concepcion, providing faster delivery of marine products from the islands to the market,” Delfinado added. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)