The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) plans to transform San Pedro Port in Iloilo City into a major roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) hub to boost economic activity.
On Wednesday, PPA Panay-Guimaras Port Management Office manager Allan Rojo sought a resolution of no objection from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the Port Zone Delineation Plan of the Iloilo Baseport project.
The proposal includes expanding Fort San Pedro Port toward the Fishing Port Complex and adding ramps for medium- and large-sized RoRo vessels. It also suggests transferring RoRo operations from Lapuz Wharf and Dumangas Port to Iloilo.
“The mayor (Jerry Treñas) is encouraging us to transfer also the operations of Dumangas Port to Iloilo, making Iloilo similar to a RoRo hub,” Rojo said.
Lapuz Wharf currently serves Iloilo-Guimaras routes, while Dumangas connects to Bacolod. Moving these operations to San Pedro is expected to improve efficiency and trade.
PPA assured that the expansion would not affect heritage areas, excluding Rotary Park and Muelle Loney. The Sangguniang Panlungsod referred the proposal to its zoning and transportation committees for review.
The project was part of the discussions during Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s visit to Iloilo on March 8.
