DAVAO CITY — An official from the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) disclosed that implementation of the Sasa Port Modernization project might be seen beginning next year.
NEDA regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim in an interview said that implementation might begin next year if the bidding through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) is completed.
“Components will be finalized yet, probably through PPP, or if some components may be taken on by the national government,” said Ms. Lim.
There are four pre-qualified bidders for the Sasa Port project under the PPP scheme, namely: Asian Terminals, Inc.-DP World FZE Consortium; Bollore Africa Logistics, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.; and the San Miguel Holdings Corp.-APM Terminals Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Consortium with Hyundai Development Co. and Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd. as contractors.
Ms. Lim also said the project is still going to be reviewed by Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) Secretary Arturo P. Tugade for the cost and financing scheme and the period of the implementation.
She said what was causing the delay is the change of administration, with all of the previous proposals having to be reviewed.
“It is still very much in the review stage,” she said.
Ms. Lim assured that the proposal is still a priority because it’s a national government facility for cargo and trade and that the government has to support its modernization.
Based on Regional Development Council (RDC) XI Resolution No. 118 Series of 2014, the Davao (Sasa) Port Modernization Project is anticipated to improve trade access to Mindanao and the Philippines by providing a dedicated containerized port; support the growing agro-industrial sector; assist in creating an enabling environment and model for private sector participation in port infrastructure through the development of a financially sound PPP scheme; and boost economic activities in the region and Mindanao.
The RDC has identified the Sasa Port project as one of the priority infrastructure projects in Mindanao. Sasa Port, along with the Davao International Airport, are two main gateways of the region that are due for major upgrades and are expected to significantly improve the Region’s physical connectivity and boost its economic development.
The DoTC has also vowed to work on resolving the issues surrounding the P19-billion Sasa Port project within the year.
Mr. Tugade said in an interview here during the recent Socioeconomic Consultative Dialogue that they are looking at issues related to the Sasa Port project, including its size and the total area for reclamation. He also said the issues will have to be resolved within the year.
Mr. Tugade, who used to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of Clark Development Corp. until his resignation in April to support Rodrigo R. Duterte’s presidential bid, said the project is one of several being eyed for Mindanao by the new administration.
20 August 2016
By Maya M. Padillo
