Philippines: Davao del Norte Ports Look Up for Expansion

Two seaports in Davao del Norte are being expanded to serve as alternative ports to complement existing ones in Davao City.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte Field Office has monitored the investment plans of Hijo Resources in Tagum City and San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc. in Panabo City to expand its port facilities starting next year.

In an interview, DTI field office officer-in-charge Vedastito Galvez revealed that the Board of Investments (BOI), in a visit last year at the Hijo Resources in Madaum, Tagum City, was relayed of the company’s plans to develop a modern port and container yard facility from its existing seaport for banana shipment.

In its Highlights of Accomplishments in 2011, DTI Davao del Norte Field Office disclosed the plans of Hijo Resources to install “moving gantry cranes which can hoist heavy loads”, aside from setting up a container yard designed to conveniently handle cargoes from overseas.

The Hijo Resource’s plan is still at the drawing board with no definite schedule yet, but Galvez said the company expressed interest to pursue such port expansion and development project.

The port investment of Hijo Resources is expected to roll out on top of its P50-million investment for the construction of six villas and six casitas at its existing resorts adjacent its port, DTI report said.

Meanwhile, DTI Davao del Norte also monitored plans of ANFLOCOR through its subsidiary, San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc to improve its port in Panabo City, and to develop a container handling facility by pouring in P2.7-billion investments.

Eyeing to operate a much developed port by the first quarter next year, the company is on the process of applying its permit with the Philippine Ports Authority so it would qualify for investment incentives to be granted by BOI.

With such upcoming huge investments, Galvez is optimistic that more jobs will be created in Davao del Norte.

DTI Davao del Norte last year monitored a total of 8,916 jobs generated from the P1.7-billion investments poured mostly on real estate development, hotels and malls construction, and expansion of banana plantations

“These were just short-term jobs but they created economic impact,” Galvez said.

Galvez noted the sprouting of housing development projects in Tagum City where of malls, hotels, and microtels were also rising. He also noted expansions of tourism-related establishments in the Island Garden City of Samal and the construction of some business establishments in the municipality of Carmen and in Panabo City.

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Dredging Today Staff, February 13, 2012