By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Port of Alegria in Buruanga, Aklan, is poised for major development as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced the bidding for a new cruise ship port.
The PPA has set the approved budget for the cruise port project at P747.59 million.
The Port of Alegria, a bustling hub in Aklan, facilitates the movement of passenger vessels to and from Caticlan, Aklan, and the towns of San Jose and Roxas in Mindoro.
Contractors have 900 days to complete the cruise terminal once construction begins. The planned facility will feature a rock causeway covering 1,465.73 square meters, a port operational area, and a reinforced concrete pier and platform.
The PPA’s Bids and Awards Committee is slated to hold a pre-bid conference on May 13, with proposals due and set to be opened on May 28.
Prospective bidders must have experience with similar large-scale projects, as per the PPA’s requirements.
In anticipation of increased tourist arrivals, the PPA is enhancing infrastructure for cruise ships.
The Philippines expects to welcome over 300,000 cruise visitors this year, a substantial increase from the 87,217 visitors recorded in 2023.
Further supporting its tourism initiatives, the PPA is also progressing with the construction of the country’s first dedicated cruise ship terminal at Jubang Port in Surigao del Norte, which costs P620 million.
