BACOLOD City – The operator of the Manapla Port in Manapla, Negros Occidental assured that the port operations would start as scheduled on April 1.
This comes after the complaints filed by the Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arastre Corp. (MPSA) against four Land Bank of the Philippines officials and employees over the non-release of a P180 million loan approved in 2023.
According to documents submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas in Cebu, the complaint alleged that the four violated the anti-graft and corrupt practices law and engaged in conduct prejudicial to the interest of public service by allegedly withholding the loan intended to fund the construction of the private port in Barangay Punta Salong, Manapla.
MPSA said that despite receiving a notice of loan approval on October 23, 2023, the firm failed to secure the P180‑million loan. The port opened to the public on February 1.
The bank, however, attributed the delay to MPSA’s alleged failure to submit a duly-approved foreshore lease agreement (FLA) for the area occupied by the port.
Dave Sarrosa, spokesperson for MPSA, said the Manapla Port is a key to economic progress in the province. It will serve to link up the new maritime route in Panay – Ajuy port – Concepcion port to Negros – Manapla port.
He added that maritime transport improves the trade and contacts between international countries as well as increases the income of the people through the growth and development of tourism in the country.
“It [Manapla Port] will boost tourism as it promotes new destinations to our guest travelers as well,” Sarrosa said.
He added agrarian industry and food suppliers will generate growth income as well as the hotels and restaurants
For his part, Mayor Manuel Escalante III said it was a dream come true for Manapla residents to have their own port through the initiative of a private sector by linking the province of Negros Occidental to Iloilo. (With a report from Rappler)/PN
