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The Bangsamoro Ports Management Authority held a public consultation on November 7 to discuss the proposed P20 passenger terminal fee for three ports in Tawi-Tawi
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Representatives from local governments, private sector, Bangsamoro regional government agencies, academe, and port users participated
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The consultation was led by Bangsamoro Transport and Communications minister Termizie Masahud
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Concerns raised included possible exemptions for uniformed personnel, the 60-40 revenue sharing between the Bangsamoro Treasury Office and BPMA, and the appropriate fee structure per port
The Bangsamoro Ports Management Authority (BPMA) convened a public consultation on November 7 to gather feedback on the proposed P20 passenger terminal fee for the Ports of Bongao, Sibutu, and Sitangkai, all in the province of Tawi-Tawi.
Participants included local government officials, private sector representatives, regional government agencies, residents, labor groups, and members of the academe.
Discussions centered on key public concerns such as exemptions for uniformed personnel, the 60-40 revenue-sharing mechanism between the Bangsamoro Treasury Office and BPMA, and the appropriate fee structure for different port users.
The consultation was led by minister Termizie Masahud of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministry of Transport and Communications (BARMM-MOTC).
BPMA said all insights and recommendations gathered will be submitted to the BPMA Governing Board for final consideration.
The agency emphasized that the process underscores its commitment to transparent and participatory decision-making that directly addresses the needs of port stakeholders in the region.
The consultation comes as part of broader efforts to enhance port operations and infrastructure in Tawi-Tawi, the country’s southernmost province.
In June 2025, the BPMA inspection team, led by BARMM-MOTC Engineering Division head Nasrodin Masakal conducted a port inspection and monitoring sweep across Bongao, Sitangkai, and Sibutu.
The team reviewed operational areas, infrastructure projects, and engaged with port personnel and contractors to strengthen port efficiency and service delivery.
READ: MARINA, BMARINA expand partnership to strengthen maritime safety
Complementing these initiatives, the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1 – a P1.08-billion, 541-meter bridge funded under the Asian Development Bank-assisted “Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project” – was completed and opened to the public in August.
The bridge links Bongao Island and Sanga-Sanga, easing travel and boosting local trade and economic activity in the province.
The project also complements ongoing infrastructure investments in the region, including the P88.3 million port rehabilitation and construction projects in Tawi-Tawi and Lanao del Sur.
Following the completion of the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge, two additional major bridge projects are underway to further enhance inter-island connectivity.
One of these is the Malassa–Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3, spanning 681 meters that will link Sanga-Sanga Island to the Tawi-Tawi mainland.
Another, the Tongsinah–Paniongan Bridge No. 2, measuring 570 meters, has entered its initial construction phase and is set to connect Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga.
READ: 3 Tawi-Tawi bridge projects moving forward
