By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the provincial government is fast-tracking the development of the Hinoba-an port in southern Negros.
He told reporters this is in addition to the Maricalum port in Cauayan town, which is also a priority for the provincial government.
“We are also working to expedite the processing of all legal documents and the establishment of the Hinoba-an port, which can boost the economy of Hinoba-an and nearby local government units,” Diaz said.
He noted that the expropriation case filed by the province has already been decided with finality, adding, “We are in the process of requesting the issuance of the writ of execution so the province’s requests in the complaint can be fulfilled.”
Diaz said this includes the cancellation of titles in the name of the previous owners and the issuance of new titles in the name of the provincial government.
He added, “The provincial government has already deposited the P50 million adjudicated by the expropriation court in full, so the province has no outstanding debt; we have provided the money to pay the landowners.”
“We should be able to obtain the title so we can proceed with other steps,” Diaz said.
He added, “Without the title, it will be more difficult for us to move forward.”
The expropriation case filed by the province involves a property owned by over 100 landowners, covering about 94 hectares.
He emphasized that “the payment for their just compensation has already been deposited in court.”
Diaz also said security and safety personnel have been posted in the area to prevent additional informal settlers from moving in.
“We are constantly negotiating and facilitating the settlement with the court for the landowners, and the Treasurer’s Office is ready to assist in processing payments because the courts lack the personnel to handle this,” he pointed out.
Diaz said the provincial government aims to establish an international port, which could be pursued through a public-private partnership (PPP), but added, “If no partnership is made, the provincial government can handle the development on its own.”
Earlier, Diaz said the provincial government is set to address the issues surrounding the Maricalum port in Cauayan town.
He told reporters on Tuesday that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called his attention after Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara released a statement requesting the province’s assistance with the port.
“We will take this up again with the Treasurer’s Office and work with the Provincial Legal Office to take action,” Diaz said.
He clarified that as far as Maricalum Mining Corporation, the port’s owner, is concerned, “There are taxes due that have not been settled, which is why Mayor Tabujara has been requesting assistance from the province to begin the auction of the properties.”
