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Full-scale rehabilitation of the three ports in Cebu damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province in September 2025 has yet to commence as they are still undergoing engineering geological and geohazard assessment studies
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CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III assured the provincial board that the EGGA studies are being fast-tracked to finalize rehabilitation plans and proceed with the necessary civil works at the soonest possible time
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To address concerns regarding the possible relocation of some port facilities, Comendador clarified that relocation remains a last resort
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Comendador noted that CPA is open to exploring possible revenue-sharing arrangements for local government unit partners who are willing to invest in the development and improvement of local port facilities subject to existing policies and guidelines
Full-scale rehabilitation of three ports in Cebu that were damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province in September 2025 has yet to commence as these are still undergoing engineering geological and geohazard assessment (EGGA) studies, according to Cebu Port Authority (CPA) officials.
At the 17th regular session of the Cebu Provincial Board on June 15, the CPA officials presented the status of the most heavily affected ports and outlined the rehabilitation plans, including the allocation of funds.
The damaged ports are: Port of Hagnaya, Port of Kawit, and Port of Bogo.
CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III assured the provincial board, which invited CPA to provide updates, that the EGGA studies are being fast-tracked to enable CPA to finalize rehabilitation plans and proceed with the necessary civil works at the soonest possible time.
He emphasized that these assessments are necessary to ensure that all rehabilitation works are safe, appropriate and sustainable, as coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) during a discussion following the earthquake.
READ: Cebu Port Authority taps MGB scientists for post-quake rehab plans
CPA last year tapped MGB for a geological site scoping of port facilities in northern Cebu affected by the September 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the area. The scoping aims to assess geotechnical stability and identify potential geohazards in the identified port areas prior to rehabilitation, ensuring the safety of both the public and port users.
“While we are equally eager to complete the rehabilitation of these ports, we must ensure that every intervention we undertake prioritizes the safety of port users and surrounding communities,” Comendador said.
He further assured the provincial board that the planned repair and rehabilitation works form part of CPA’s broader strategy to restore and strengthen port infrastructure in Cebu Province.
To address concerns regarding the possible relocation of some port facilities, Comendador clarified that relocation remains a last resort and will only be considered should the results of the EGGA studies strongly recommend it. He expressed optimism that the findings can be addressed through appropriate engineering solutions allowing the ports to remain in their current locations.
Aside from the status of affected ports, Comendador noted that CPA is open to exploring possible revenue-sharing arrangements for local government unit partners who are willing to invest in the development and improvement of local port facilities subject to existing policies and guidelines, with prior approval by the Cebu Port Commission and in coordination with the Department of Transportation.
READ: Cebu international sea, air ports back to normal operations after earthquake
