QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The second leg of the 2023 Pre-SONA Caravan dubbed as “Nagkaka1sang Bumabangon” held at Sorsogon Gymnasium in Sorsogon City on June 5, 2023 underscores the significant contributions of different government agencies as well as the provincial government in the development of the region.

The newly-appointed Philippine Information Agency Director-General, Usec. Jose A. Torres Jr., graces the event and recognizes the concerted effort of all the national government agencies as well as local government units in achieving regional growth.

“As we celebrate the first anniversary of the administration of President Marcos, let us remember that progress is a collective endeavor. Let us continue to work hand in hand, transcending political affiliations and differences, to ensure that our region thrives and prospers. Together, we can build on the solid foundation that has been laid and create a future that is even brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous for all,” DG Torres said.

He also commits to continuously empowering every Filipino by adhering to the agency’s mandate in delivering accurate, timely, and relevant information about government programs and projects.

“We at the Philippine Information Agency commit to the crucial role of disseminating relevant and timely information about these (government) programs and services. We will continue to ensure that the successes and impact of these initiatives reach every corner of the country, empowering our citizens with knowledge and opportunity,” the PIA Chief said.

One of the main highlights of the pre-SONA event is the unified efforts in the decongestion of Matnog Port which serves as one of the main gateways of Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao.

The current capacity of the port needs to expand to cater to the increasing volume of cargo vessels and passengers transiting the port.

“Isa sa mga naging produkto ng pagtutulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng ating gobyerno yung katatapos lang na malagdaan na Joint Memorandum Circular on Measures to Address the congestion in and around the vicinity of Port of Matnog,” PPA-TMO Matnog Acting Division Manager Mr. Achilles C. Galindes.

Aside from infrastructure expansion and harmonized Roro Port Operation of PPA, various policies from the previous provincial government to the current administration have been implemented including the FIFO (First In, First Out) and the Blue Lane and One-stop-shop Ordinance which put specific assignments of different stations according to rolling cargo category.

Meanwhile, recognizing the challenges being experienced in the Matnog Port, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Maritime Sector Julius A. Yano commits to extending assistance to resolve the issue and fast-track the approval of projects for the port.

“On behalf of the Department, pabibilisin po natin ang pagproseso ng mga dokumentong ito. Para po sa lalong madaling panahon  magsimula na ang pag-construct ng makabagong Port of Matnog na makakatulong sa ating lahat dito,” he said.

Further, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary for Investment Programming Group of NEDA Joseph J. Capuno shares that the expansion of the Sorsogon RoRo terminal in the port of Matnog has an initial funding of P550 million.

He then underscores the significant contribution of ports to economic growth and regional development in the country.

According to Usec. Capuno, ports are a critical part of the supply chain because they serve as assembly points and other linkages to other systems such as road-based or rail-based transport. It also helps in creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities. Lastly, it has a significant impact on the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

A 2021 study contacted by the Philippine Institute for Development Study (PIDS) shows that the majority of our domestic commodities nearly 100% of it are being transported via water. Moreover, water transport has been determined in the international market as the cheapest way of transportation in terms of fuel consumption.

Hence, the performance of the water transportation sector will have a significant influence on the economic performance of the regions and of the whole country.

The pre-SONA event aims to showcase significant transformation and emphasizes the innovative accomplishments of the provincial government, with the assistance and leadership of President Ferdinand E. Marcos' administration.

Before the event, different government agencies also participated in the ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ extending various services and programs to the public. (KSAA – PIA CPSD)