By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is studying the development of new ports in Iloilo City and Iloilo province to support Panay Island’s growing economy.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the agency to inspect and evaluate potential sites for the project.
“We need to build a domestic cargo terminal because the one in Lapuz is only a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) port. Since the economy is growing, especially here in Panay, it must be addressed because these new ports will serve more than just Iloilo,” Santiago said in a media interview on March 9.
The Lapuz Ro-Ro Wharf, located at the Iloilo River Wharf, connects Iloilo City to Guimaras Island and Negros Occidental, among other routes.
There are also Ro-Ro services in Dumangas, about 20 kilometers northeast of Iloilo City, which link to Negros Island.
Santiago emphasized the need for a new port in Iloilo since the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), managed by International Container Terminal Services Inc., will transition into an international terminal.
“Over time, the VCT will become purely foreign, possibly within three to four years. The game plan is for it to become a fully international terminal,” he said.
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has proposed building a port in Leganes or Dumangas to serve as the province’s “north harbor.”
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has suggested constructing a Ro-Ro port at Fort San Pedro in the City Proper district.
“The agreement is that PPA will present plans to ensure the protection of the historical site, Fort San Pedro,” Dizon said.
Fort San Pedro, also known as Fort Nuestra Señora del Rosario, is one of the earliest Spanish-built fortifications in the Philippines.
The National Museum of the Philippines declared it an important cultural property in 2016 and recognized it as part of Iloilo City’s cultural heritage tourism zone.
In February 2024, the National Museum announced plans for pre-restoration activities to excavate and assess the fort’s foundations while preserving its historical integrity.
Cruise Terminal in Aklan
Aside from Ro-Ro ports, the PPA is also developing a cruise terminal at the Port of Alegria in Buruanga, Aklan.
Santiago said the cruise terminal is expected to be completed next year and will boost tourism by allowing cruise ships to dock directly, making travel to Aklan and nearby attractions more accessible.
“Tourists will be able to explore more, not just Boracay but also other attractions in Aklan. We will help open up tourism in the province,” he said.
The International Builders Corp. is undertaking the cruise terminal project.
The Port of Alegria currently serves as a vital transport link, connecting Caticlan, Aklan, with the towns of San Jose and Roxas in Mindoro.