P5-billion Cebu port modernization project pushed

Local

CEBU is pushing for a P5-billion allocation from the Office of the President to rehabilitate and modernize ports across the province.

This is to position maritime transport as an alternative to worsening road congestion and a driver of trade and tourism.

The proposal was raised by Provincial Board Member Lakambini Reluya, who filed a resolution during the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to tap national government funds for the port improvement program.

Reluya, who chairs the Committee on Commerce and Industry, explained that the plan would not be limited to Cebu’s major seaports.

Smaller community ports scattered across the province are also included in the proposal, with many already struggling to meet the increasing demands of shippers, passengers, and local industries.

She stressed that without significant investments, these maritime gateways risk falling further behind at a time when Cebu’s economy continues to expand and traffic congestion on land remains a pressing concern.

According to Reluya, the push for maritime infrastructure comes at a critical moment.

Cebu’s road networks, especially in its urban centers, are reaching capacity, creating bottlenecks that slow down the transport of both people and goods.

She argued that improving Cebu’s port system would give commuters and traders a reliable alternative route, reduce dependence on overburdened highways, and create more efficient logistics chains for industries based in the province.

She further noted that Cebu is well-positioned geographically to strengthen its role as a regional hub for commerce and tourism if its ports are modernized.

An upgraded system of gateways could accommodate more cargo, ensure faster passenger movement, and expand tourism flows into towns and cities outside Cebu City.

Reluya also acknowledged that her resolution came after she learned of the suspension of certain national allocations for flood control projects.

This prompted her to explore whether those funds could instead be redirected to Cebu’s maritime sector through the Department of Transportation.

While she admitted that the P5-billion request is ambitious, she underscored that the amount is only a preliminary estimate.

The exact figure, she explained, would be determined after consultations with stakeholders and a more detailed breakdown of the program’s scope.

She emphasized that the final decision on how the funds would be distributed should rest with Cebu’s governor, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), and the Provincial Development Council.

These bodies, she said, are in the best position to determine which ports require the most urgent attention and how resources should be prioritized.

Reluya revealed that she has already opened discussions with the CPA regarding her proposal, and the agency expressed openness to the plan.

She described the dialogue as a first step toward building consensus among the stakeholders who would be directly involved in implementing the program.

Her resolution underscored that port rehabilitation is not just about physical infrastructure but also about unlocking wider economic benefits.

More efficient cargo movement, smoother passenger travel, and a stronger tourism industry are among the outcomes that the province could expect if the initiative pushes through.

She added that modernized ports would also help smaller communities participate more actively in local commerce by serving as dependable gateways for trade.

Reluya concluded that while her proposal will still undergo scrutiny, it represents an opportunity for Cebu to position itself for long-term growth.

By investing in maritime infrastructure now, she said, the province could address persistent transport challenges while laying the groundwork for stronger economic competitiveness in the years ahead.(MyTVCebu)