Daily Tribune
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the new sea connections provided by the Tigtabon Port is expected to ensure better accessibility and movement to fishers as well as passengers, including students.
Photograph courtesy of DoTr
Rapid economic development in Mindanao starts at the ports, with two Mindanao maritime gateways visited by Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Department of Transportation (DoTr) officials, to ensure that improvements benefitting primarily Mindanao fisherfolks are underway,
On Saturday, the PPA said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, along with PPA general manager Jay Santiago inspected the Balbagon Port in Mambajao, Camiguin.
Santiago and Dizon checked the ongoing improvements in the construction of the cruise terminal, including the RC Wharf, RC Platform and Access Trestle.
The port is a dedicated cruise ship terminal capable of accommodating international cruise vessels and foreign visitors.
Once completed, it is expected to boost tourism in Camiguin, providing better access for travelers and supporting the local economy.
Meanwhile, Dizon and Santiago turned over the Tigtabon Port to the coastal community of Tigtabon, which is 30 minutes away from mainland Zamboanga.
Dizon said fisherfolks of Tigtabon Island are seen to benefit from the newly constructed port facility, as the new sea linkage provided by the Tigtabon Port is expected to ensure better accessibility and movement to fishers as well as passengers, including students.
“This port is a gift of the national government to fishermen and their families. It would facilitate the trade of seafood, which is the main source of livelihood of residents here,” Dizon, emphasizing that equitable growth and development must reach even far-flung areas in the country, said.
The transport chief announced bigger developments in Zamboanga Province, saying that the DoTr and PPA will open an additional seven community ports to assist other fishing communities.
The Tigtabon Port covers a constructed reinforced concrete pier, a reclamation and back-up area, and a waiting shed for passengers.
As the leading producer of agar-agar or Filipino gelatin in the country, the new port facility will address seaborne commerce in the area and will provide mobility and connectivity with other coastal barangays.
