THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has started the bidding process for the expansion of Mabila Port in Davao Del Sur to support the growth of the municipality of Sarangani. According to the bid documents, the facilities of the port including the rock causeway will be expanded. A roll on-roll off ramp and breasting dolphin, mooring and fendering system will be constructed and a port lighting system installed. The cost of the expansion project is about P43.04 million. It should be completed within 10 months from start of construction. PPA said it will award the contract later this month. According to a feasibility study conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority, the port improvement is just one of the components to spur development in the area. The study said after the port has been expanded, the local government would also construct an ice plant, a warehouse for the fisherman, and other infrastructure facilities. Since the creation of the municipality some 30 years ago, economic activity in Sarangani remained stagnant as a result of remoteness of the area, risk of travel due to rough seas, and poor infrastructure facilities. During the late 1990s, a shipping firm based in General Santos City established a new route in the area using a fast-craft passenger vessel. Due to difficulties in berthing and minimal patronage because of high fares, the operation was withdrawn, the study said. It said, however, that since Sarangani is a strategic place for emergency relief and anchorage, especially during bad weather, activity in the area could be spurred to serve a station for vessels going to and from the fishing grounds. In the long run, it could be a route for fishing vessels. "Having a good port system would encourage the opening of additional sea transport routes and improve the sea transport system plying in the area. Fishing activity is expected to gain more from this project being the major industry in the municipality," the study said.
