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General Santos port resumed partial operations on June 17 following completion of initial structural inspections and engineering assessments
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Operations were temporarily suspended after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani on June 8
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Operations will resume using the rail-mounted gantry wharf, subject to operational controls and safety protocols
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Damaged portions of the new wharf expansion will remain under controlled access
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The eastern wharf will remain closed pending repair works and further structural evaluation
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Vessels currently at anchorage will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis once logistical preparations are completed
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Full resumption of operations will be announced once safety is ensured
General Santos port resumed partial operations on June 17 following completion of initial structural inspections and engineering assessments after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani on June 8.
The Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) Engineering Office found the 201-linear meter rail-mounted gantry (RMG) wharf structurally sound and capable of safely accommodating regular vessel traffic and cargo operations, PPA said in a statement. Accordingly, port operations will resume using the RMG wharf, subject to operational controls and safety protocols.
PPA noted that the resumption of operations is still partial as a precautionary measure since the damaged portions of the new wharf expansion will remain under controlled access, while the eastern wharf will remain closed pending repair works and further structural evaluation.
In addition, the North Gate weigh bridge sustained severe structural damage and will remain out of service. Appropriate traffic management measures and alternative access arrangements are being implemented to ensure the continued movement of cargo while maintaining safety within the port premises. The port’s main gate will serve as the temporary access point for port users.
PPA said vessels currently at anchorage will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis once logistical preparations are completed. Shipping lines and vessel operators are likewise advised to ensure readiness to facilitate faster vessel turnaround and sustain the efficient flow of cargoes through the port.
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago emphasized that the phased reopening balances the need to restore economic activity while ensuring the safety of all port users.
“While we are gradually restoring operations at the Port of General Santos, public safety remains the PPA’s top priority. The reopening of the RMG Wharf is based on the thorough assessment conducted by our engineers to ensure that it is safe for use. At the same time, inspections and necessary repair works on other port facilities are ongoing so that full operations can be restored at the soonest possible time without compromising safety,” Santiago said.
The resumption of operations follows earlier contingency measures implemented by PPA, including the designation of the Port of Malalag in Davao del Sur as an alternative port to ensure the continued movement of cargoes and essential goods while assessments at General Santos port were underway.
PPA said it will continue to monitor the condition of all port facilities and undertake the necessary rehabilitation and repair works. Full resumption of operations in all areas will be announced once it is determined safe and appropriate to do so.
PPA on June 8 temporarily suspended operations at General Santos port pending the completion of inspection and safety assessment of facilities following the earthquake.
Only transactions with the Port Integrated Clearance Office (PICO) continued at the port’s covered court until further notice.
The PICO is a one-stop shop for all PPA transactions like marine and terminal services, berthing, public assistance and complaints, and assessment and collection services, among others.
Damages were also recorded in the ports of San Roque, Glan, Mabila, and Malalag, but they remained operational.
