ILOILO City – In addition to promoting the expansion of the Iloilo Airport, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is advocating for the redevelopment of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) to cater to an increasing number of international shipments.
As the chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) within the Regional Development Council (RDC), Treñas recently convened with officials from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Bureau of Customs, and various Iloilo business groups. The aim was to address the congestion issues plaguing both the ICPC and the Iloilo Airport.
On Sept. 5, 2023, Treñas addressed a letter to PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, urging the prioritization of funds for the ICPC’s redevelopment.
“A significant number of international vessels dock at our port. Instead of stopping at the ports of Manila or Cebu, they come directly to us. This strategy results in substantial savings for our businessmen,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the rapid economic progression of both Iloilo City and Western Visayas, Treñas underscored the necessity to enhance the port’s capabilities.
The region’s economic growth rate has soared to 9.3 percent, standing out as the highest among all regions and surpassing the national average of 7.2 percent.
“Iloilo City has consistently showcased economic growth since 2021,” Treñas noted.
Enhancing the ICPC’s infrastructure would certainly facilitate a surge in international container ship arrivals, he emphasized.
“Such improvements can greatly bolster the economic growth of both the city and the region, enhancing our connectivity in the process,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, Treñas voiced his endorsement for the port’s redevelopment through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is contemplating the revival of its previously shelved proposal to both develop and manage the ICPC.
ICTSI had initially considered investing an estimated P5 billion for the comprehensive development of the ICPC and also expressed interest in the Port of Dumangas within the province.
RESOLUTIONS OF SUPPORT
The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed two distinct resolutions during its Oct. 18 regular session, urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fast-track the privatization and improvement of the Iloilo airport and seaport.
For the port, the legislative body recognizes that accessibility to both domestic and international transportation and logistics is pivotal for advancing local trade, commerce and tourism.
The resolution stated, “Privatizing the Iloilo International Port through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is viewed as the most prompt and efficient method to expand, improve, and develop the said seaport. It would involve minimal to no financial burden on the government, thereby removing financial constraints that would otherwise hamper its development.”
The Iloilo City Local Development Council Executive Committee, in turn, passed Resolution No. 2–2023, echoing this sentiment. It had previously endorsed ICTSI’s unsolicited proposal to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for the ICPC’s development, operation, and maintenance, emphasizing the need for privatization.
Business groups, including the Iloilo Business Club (IBC); Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)- Iloilo; Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCII); Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILED); WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC); and Iloilo Federation for Information Technology (IFit) Inc., all voiced support for enhancing both the seaport and airport. They emphasized that a PPP framework is ideally suited to this aim.
IBC underscored the importance of the development and expansion of Iloilo’s primary gateways to support the growing trade activities and improve regional competitiveness.
“We look forward to catering more domestic and international routes through additional aircraft, cargo and passenger movements at the Iloilo International Airport with upgraded services, facilities & equipment. Similarly, with the operationalization of the Iloilo International Port as a container hub, we hope for reduced shipment cost of imported and exported goods with more international cargo vessels calling at Iloilo International Port. This will significantly benefit MSMEs as they will be given the opportunity to produce diversified raw materials and processed products that are currently in-demand,” the group added.
PCCI-Iloilo’s president, Engr. Fulbert Woo, said, “Addressing this appeal promptly will undoubtedly stimulate investment, business, growth, employment, and tourism for Iloilo and our neighboring provinces.”
Engr. Terence Uygongco, ILED’s chairman, highlighted that port limitations diminish Iloilo’s economic growth potential and impair the regio’s capacity for effective global commerce.
He added, “We are convinced that a PPP model accelerates modernization and ensures the integration of state-of-the-art technologies, expertise, and innovative solutions. By collaborating with private investors, we can notably increase the port’s capacity, making it suitable for larger cargo vessels and facilitating international trade.”
The FCCII, also led by Uygongco, encouraged the PPA to progress with the proposed PPP and collaborate with the DOTr to resolve outstanding issues. They are confident that a PPP is the most effective strategy for ensuring the ICPC’s swift and efficient upgrade.
The WAABC expressed robust support for advancing the Iloilo City airport and seaport. Their resolution, signed by chairperson Clyde F. Andrada, read, “Modernizing and enlarging these facilities will bolster connectivity, spur tourism, draw investments, and generate employment opportunities. We believe that a solid alliance between local government and the private sector is indispensable for Iloilo City’s sustainable growth.”
IFit accentuated the myriad benefits of hastening these expansion initiatives, including economic acceleration, tourism enhancement, regional competitiveness, environmental advantages, and improved quality of life.
Their statement implored, “We call upon all relevant authorities, government bodies, and stakeholders to expedite and prioritize these projects to harness their full potential for the benefit of the province and its people.”/PN
