-
The Philippine Ports Authority has created special takeover units to operate the cargo-handling operations at Virac port in Catanduanes and passenger terminal building operations at Tubigon port in Bohol
-
PPA-Passenger Terminal Building-Tubigon Port Services will manage and operate PTB services at Tubigon port while PPA-Virac Port Services will provide cargo-handling and other related services at Virac port
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has created special takeover units (STU) to operate the cargo- handling operations at Virac port in Catanduanes and passenger terminal building (PTB) operations at Tubigon port in Bohol.
PPA-Passenger Terminal Building-Tubigon Port Services (PPA-PTB-TPS), through Memorandum Order (MO) No. 005-2024, and PPA-Virac Port Services (PPA-VPS), through MO 007-2024, were created to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted services at the two ports.
PPA-PTB-TPS will manage and operate PTB services at Tubigon port while PPA-VPS will provide cargo-handling and other related services at Virac port.
PPA-VPS, among its functions and duties, should ensure the continuous and uninterrupted cargo-handling services in a more efficient manner and collect the existing rental rates, cargo handling fees and other charges for cargo-handling services rendered.
PPA-PTB-VPS, meanwhile, should also ensure continuous and uninterrupted PTB services and collect the existing PTB fees, rental rates and other charges for PTB services rendered.
Tubigon port is the primary dock for vessels plying the Tubigon-Cebu City route. Its PTB can house 4,000 passengers daily while the port can accommodate up to 28 ships including larger vessels.
Virac port, meanwhile, connect Catanduanes to the main island of Luzon through Tabaco port in Albay via ferries and roll-on/roll-off services.
The PPA has been creating STUs over the past years to take over the operation of ports when necessary, such as when the existing cargo-handling operator’s contract has expired and no operator has been selected.
The STUs will take over and operate the ports, and may bring in the minimum cargo-handling equipment required, which they may lease from the previous operators, PPA said.
READ: PPA special takeover units as interim operators of unmanaged ports
When there is no longer need for the STU, the management and operations of the ports will be turned over to the winners of public biddings for new private operators to be conducted by the PPA. – Roumina Pablo
