LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) last week identified 10 new roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ports in the Bicol region for inclusion in the agency’s Road Ro-Ro Terminal System (RRTS).
“With the introduction of the ports, potential markets can now be opened to local and international shipping,” acting Legazpi port manager Atty Francisquiel Mancile said at the sidelines of the SRNH (Strong Republic National Highway) Ports Investors’ Forum organized by the Port Management Office of Legazpi.The ten new ro-ro ports are in Pantao and Pioduran in Albay; Caramoan in Camarines Sur; Castilla in Sorsogon; and Aroroy, Cataingan, Cawayan, Claveria, Esperanza and San Pascual in Masbate province.
“Definitely, they will serve as intermediaries of inter-island and international trading,” Mancile said.
Ro-ro operators led by Montenegro Shipping expressed willingness to service the area.
The ports were built using corporate funds of PPA amounting to P833.79 million.
Mancile said there will be continuing dialogue with local government units (LGUs) where the 10 ports are located to fully harness potential of the areas.
The LGUs welcomed the inclusion of their ports into the RRTS but cited the need for promoting and marketing the facilities, and upgrading roads leading to the ports.
Among products that pass through the ports are cement, animal feeds, refined petroleum, copra, rice, fish and fish preparations, silica sand, coal and gypsum.
Last year, almost all ports in the Bicol region posted growth of 20-30% in both cargo and passage volume. Congestion was also reported at the ports of Legazpi and Matnog.
