San Fernando Port now under BCDA

The attached agency of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC), is now the manager of San Fernando Seaport in La Union as the lease contract of its former operator has already ceased.

According to BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang, they have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with PPMC president and CEO Felix Racadio, allowing PPMC to have the interim operational control over the seaport to ensure the continuity of operations and provision of services in the seaport area.

On 31 October 2024, the lease of the previous operator of San Fernando Seaport, Poro Point Industrial Corp., expired. Subsequently, the company signified its intent to cease operations.

“The BCDA recognizes the vital role played by the San Fernando Seaport in facilitating international trade, boosting supply chains, and supporting various industries in La Union and Northern Luzon. The seaport has been a key driver of growth, generating jobs and livelihood for the community,” Bingcang said.

“That is why there is a need to ensure that services in the seaport are uninterrupted. We thank the PPMC for taking on this task on an interim basis,” he added.

In 1999, PPIC was formed by the BCDA, PPMC, and Bulk Handlers Inc. to manage the San Fernando Seaport.

Before the expiration of PPIC’s lease, BCDA offered the company a three-month holdover authority to ensure uninterrupted operations of the seaport while it is preparing for competitive bidding for a new operator.

However, PPIC declined the offer and confirmed its intent to cease operations.

To ensure continuity, the BCDA Board of Directors authorized PPMC to take over interim seaport operations effective 6 November 2024. This MoA formalizes this interim arrangement until a new operator is selected.