MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte simultaneously inaugurated on Friday less than a billion worth of seaport development projects in Bohol, which are expected to speed up the province’s recovery from the pandemic and boost economic growth in Central Visayas.

The constructions and repairs done in the province’s seven ports will allow the facilities to accommodate more people and goods from neighboring provinces and contribute much to Bohol’s recovery from the pandemic, the President said during the inauguration rites held in Tagbilaran City.

“I am also confident that these ports will strengthen the capacity of Bohol as a catalyst of economic growth in the Central Visayas,” he noted.

“All these developments support this administration’s vision to provide our people with improved mobility, as well as a more comfortable, productive and dignified life for every Filipino.”

The President commended the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for successfully completing the projects, which, he said, mark another milestone in the administration’s Build, Build, Build Program.

The seaports, funded through government appropriations, include the ports of Tagbilaran, Jagna, Ubay, Tapal, Talibon, Loon and Maribojoc. The facilities were improved, expanded and developed to spur socio-economic activities, particularly in the agricultural and tourism sectors, Bohol’s main economic drivers.

In the Port of Tagbilaran, which serves as Bohol’s main gateway to the rest of Visayas and Mindanao, the government constructed additional fast craft berth, completing it in June 2021.

Rehabilitation works were also done in the Port of Talibon, and equipped it with new Ro-Ro ramp, covered walkway, and security fence.

In the Port of Jagna, which connects Cebu and Camiguin, reinforced concrete wharf was constructed, enabling the facility to handle bigger vessels. Construction works concluded in July 2021.

Likewise, the Port of Ubay was upgraded and can now handle Ro-Ro vessels with the construction of its reinforced concrete pier in December last year.

DOTr and PPA built back-up area and Ro-Ro ramp in the Port of Tapal in response to the increasing passenger traffic. A new passenger terminal building was also constructed in the Port of Loon, which can now provide comfortable seafaring experience to passengers.

The Port of Maribojoc, affected by a 2013 Bohol earthquake, has been rehabilitated and improved in June 2021.

Also present during the inauguration were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago and Bohol local officials. (PND)