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A master plan looking to turn a Leyte port into an Eastern Visayas transhipment hub is expected to be completed by May 2024
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The feasibility port in Babatngon, Leyte began in July this year
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Project proponents are Gammacon Builders and Philippine Ports Authority VIII
A master plan looking to turn a Leyte port into an Eastern Visayas transhipment hub is expected to be completed in May 2024, according to National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office VIII.
The feasibility study on the Babatngon port in Leyte began in July and is being undertaken by engineering consultancy firm Gammacon Builders Inc. together with the Philippine Ports Authority Region VIII. The two agencies consulted NEDA VIII on the project during a recent coordination meeting.
Once realized, the project will greatly contribute to the economic growth of Eastern Visayas, NEDA VIII Project Monitoring and Evaluation division chief economic development specialist Evangeline Paran said in a statement. She expressed full support for the conduct of the feasibility plan and assured NEDA Region VIII’s help to expedite its completion.
The Babatngon port is a complementary project to the Second San Juanico Bridge now undergoing a feasibility study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Paran added. The bridge would connect Babatngon town, 22 kilometers north of Tacloban City, to Sta. Rita, Samar.
The Babatngon port is one of ten ports in the country selected by the PPA for the conduct of feasibility and formulation of master plans. The study will assess the long-term direction, technical soundness, operational and economic feasibility, and financial viability of the 10 ports.
During the same coordination meeting, NEDA VIII supervising economic development specialist Jay-ar Ragub presented to Gammacon Builders highlights of the Philippine Development Plan, the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Visayas Spatial Development Framework 2015-2045. He stressed in particular the strategy to expand and upgrade Infrastructure by ensuring that inter-island shipping remains a viable option for transporting people and cargo.
Ragub said the realization of the Babatngon Port is consistent with these plans. Moreover, several Regional Development Council VIII resolutions have already been passed pushing for the establishment of a regional transshipment hub.
PPA VIII Eastern Leyte/Samar acting principal engineer Victor Ansel Tingzon said the push for Babatngon port will help solve lingering port congestion and bring about economic progress in the region.
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