Biron welcomes Dumangas, Iloilo City ports devt proposal

ILOILO fourth district Rep. Ferjenel G. Biron welcomes the proposal by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), a Philippine-based international port developer, to upgrade the Iloilo Port Complex and the Port of Dumangas into international container terminals that can accommodate huge vessels.

Biron said the proposal dovetails perfectly with his avowed plan to secure Iloilo’s economic future by bringing in investors who will establish local operations for commerce and trade that will in turn create jobs and other income-generating opportunities for its people.

The P5-billion plan has been submitted to the Philippine Ports Authority by ICTSI Chairman and President Enrique K. Razon Jr.  ICTSI has operations in Manila, Dubai, and Panama and is “currently pursuing an active program to acquire new terminal concessions in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas,” according to the company website.

Biron, who is running for Iloilo governor, has always made it a point to stress the need for more economic investments in the province to maximize Iloilo’s abundant natural sources and harness the full potential of its well-trained and highly capable human capital.

The ICTSI proposal is a huge step towards this goal, he said. “We need investors to generate employment opportunities for our people and spur the local economy.”

One of our plans, Biron said, is to put up economic zones in every district beginning with the Dumangas area.

“We need to establish a manufacturing sector in Iloilo. But without an international seaport, we cannot do it.”

“They (the Razon group) have already met with me for their unsolicited offer in Dumangas,” disclosed Biron who is chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry.

Dumangas is part of Biron’s fourth district constituency.

The Port of Dumangas is one of the major ports of Iloilo. Located in Sitio Nalu-oyan at Brgy.

Sapao, there at least 10 Roll-on Roll-Off (RORO) Vessels servicing the part carrying about 2,000 passengers and cargoes (such as rice, sugar, fish products, etc.)  bound for Negros and Cebu islands.

ICTSI plans to deepen the port to allow the entry of new generation international vessels. It will also bring in new port equipment, including modern quayside crane handling equipment. ICTSI also vows to introduce new systems in operations, engineering and administration. The introduction of automation will further promote efficiency and security.

“We truly believe in the growth potential of the Visayas in general and of Iloilo in particular. That growth is anchored on the building of infrastructure and the delivery of basic utilities and services,” said ICTSI chairman and president Enrique K. Razon Jr.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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