ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry P. Treñas supports the proposed redevelopment of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC), popularly known as Loboc port, in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz district.
The International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) earlier announced its plan to revive its proposal to develop and operate the ICPC.
The city mayor said this is a welcome development.
“As chair of the Infrastructure Development Committee, I fully support the project and will ensure that the RDC (Regional Development Council) approves the same right away,” said Treñas.
The port redevelopment will help make Iloilo City a major trading hub, attracting more cargos, jobs and economic activities.
The port improvement is seen to generate faster shipment of goods, thus cost-efficient for local players, in turn boosting the city’s economy.
The investor’s interest is part of the company’s goal to help the government improve the country’s port network.
ICTSI executive vice president and chief risk officer Christian Razon Gonzales told BusinessWorld about the firm’s renewed attention to Iloilo.
“We want to push that again, for sure. We’re waiting for guidance from the government whether it will be a public tender done by the Philippine Ports Authority or they will welcome an unsolicited proposal,” he added.
On its website, ICTSI disclosed that it has submitted a proposal to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to develop two ports in Iloilo — the Iloilo Port Complex and the Port of Dumangas. The investment is estimated to cost over P5 billion.
It added that the upgrade would help PPA in the hope of facilitating inter-island and international cargo movements.
An integral part will include the dredging and deepening of the port itself and a channel to allow the direct entry of new generation, international vessels.
“We truly believe in the growth potential of the Visayas in general and of Iloilo in particular. That growth is anchored on the building of infrastructure and the delivery of basic utilities and services. With the development of port superstructure and the cost-efficient delivery of electric services, we hope to be able to help Iloilo in attaining its full potential,” Razon said. (With a report from Iloilo City PIO)/PN
