ILOILO City – The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILED) is counting on the support of the city and provincial governments of Iloilo for the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Board to act swiftly on a project to improve the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz here with a budget of P8.7 billion.
Francis Gentoral, executive director of ILED, said the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) intends to upgrade the Iloilo Port once its unsolicited proposal, dubbed the “Original Proponent Status” is approved.
ILED officers were told that the ICTSI wanted to upgrade the port into a world-class level by “maximizing big ship capability; installing ship-to-shore gantry cranes; and continuously upgrading yard capacity aligned to traffic studies.”
It also intends to build a terminal for cruise ship passengers, to meet the objectives of the National Tourism Development Plan.
The proposal is now with the PPA Board for review but for now they have no idea what will be the next step of the ports authority, said Gentoral.
Once the PPA approves the proposal, groundwork may start next year.
Gentoral said an improved port will have a significant impact; Iloilo would be capable of sending agriculture products to outbound markets. (PNA)
