Introduction

 

   Water transportation plays a vital role in the inter-modal transportation network through the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) system. The Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) is expected to bridge the islands, consequently opening new markets and spurring trade and tourism in the countryside. It also provides an alternative route to the Maharlika Highway and offers a more economical means of transportation for travelers, entrepreneurs, farmers, as well as regular domestic commuters.

 

Situational Analysis

 

   The number of national ports in the region increased from 8 to 9 ports during the first two-years of the planning period. The latest addition to the national ports is the Pantao Port in Libon, Albay which was completed last May 2005 at a cost of PhP102.6 million. However, the newly constructed port was destroyed by Typhoon Milenyo (September 2006) and Typhoon Reming (November 2006). The port sustained heavy damages such as collapsed pre-cast slab; collapsed pre-cast beams; collapsed pre-cast curtain walls; and broken pre-stressed concrete piles. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is preparing and will allocate funds for the immediate repair of Pantao Port.

 

   The PPA operates and maintains the region’s nine national ports. Tabaco Port in Albay is the international port of entry. The rest are considered national ports. In terms of local traffic, Matnog Port in Sorsogon is the busiest being the gateway of Luzon to the Visayas and a vital port for the inter-modal transport services along the Maharlika Highway.

 

   The national ports in the region have basic facilities. Except for Legazpi, Panganiban, and Pasacao Ports, all other ports have Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) ramp facilities to support inter-modal transport services and inter-provincial travel.

 

   In general, the physical condition of the national ports in the region needs further improvement and upgrading. Some of the national ports are short of facilities such as passenger terminals, warehouses, parking areas, berthing facilities and others to accommodate more and larger vessels.

 

   Augmenting the water transport system in the region are 36 municipal ports, 6 barangay ports, 7 fish ports, and 13 private ports. Some of the municipal ports are considered strategic ports and play vital roles to support and be part of the proposed Central and Eastern Nautical Highways. These local ports however need to have feasibility studies to further determine their viability for inclusion in the Nautical Highway Packages.

 

Objectives

 

   Water transportation shall be efficient and effective component of an inter-modal transport system in the region. Water transport facilities shall provide safe and modern services in the transport of people and cargo for a reasonable duration of trips and costs. Ports and port facilities shall be safe and responsive to the needs of customers especially when boat trips are suspended due to technical and climate disturbances.

 

Strategies

1. Upgrade the existing facilities of PPA's nine national ports.

2. Rehabilitate Pantao Port in Libon, Albay.

3. Establish RORO in ports identified in the Proposed Central and Eastern Nautical Highways.

4. Improve local ports to support inter-island transport, fisheries, tourism, and trade.

Major Programs and Projects

1. Rehabilitation of Pantao Port in Libon, Albay (PPA)

2. Major Development of 8 Ports with RORO Facilities along the Pan-Philippine Highway, Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), Central Nautical Highway and routes to Palawan:

1. Matnog Port in Matnog, Sorsogon

2. Pilar Port in San Antonio, Pilar, Sorsogon

3. Aroroy Port in Aroroy, Masbate

4. Caminawit Port San Jose, Mindoro Occidental

5. Taytay, Port, Sta Cruz, Taytay, Palawan

6. Siation Port, Bongabon, Siaton, Negros Oriental

7. San Ricardo Port San Ricardo, Southern Leyte

8. Lipata Port in Lipata, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte

3. RORO Ports along the Central and Eastern Nautical Highways

1. Pasacao Port (Pasacao, Camarines Sur)

2. San Pascual Port (San Pascual, Masbate)

3. Claveria Port Boca Engaño Port (Claveria, Masbate)

4. Claveria Port (Claveria, Masbate)

5. Pantao Port (Pantao, Libon, Albay)

6. Pioduran Port (Pioduran, Albay)

7. Aroroy Port (Aroroy, Masbate)

8. Cataingan Port (Cataingan, Masbate)

9. Esperanza Port (Ezperanza, Masbate)

10. Cawayan Port (Cawayan, Masbate)

4. Strategic RORO Ports Linking to Catanduanes

1. San Vicente Port (Caramoan, Camarines Sur)

2. Nato Port (Sagñay, Camarines Sur)

3. Codon Port (San Andres, Catanduanes)

4. Tandoc Siruma Port (Siruma, Camarines Sur)

5. Other National Ports

1. Legaspi City Port

2. Tabaco City Port

3. Virac Port

4. San Andres Port

5. Jose Panganiban Port

6. Bulan Port