P33.3-M Seaports To Rise In Surigao Del Norte, Dinagat Isle
MIKE U. CRISMUNDO
SURIGAO CITY
Full economic activity is seen in Placer town in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island after the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) allotted R33.3 million for the construction and rehabilitation of seaports of these fast-growing areas in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region), officials said yesterday.
They said the planned seaport in Placer town will cost R28.4 million and will serve fishing boats as well as passenger and cargo vessels. The activities are expected to spur economic activity in the municipality and neighboring island towns.
Placer is already acknowledged as one of the major fishing ports in the Caraga region.
On the other hand, the Melgar Wharf project in Dinagat Island, which will cost R4.9-million, is being envisioned to serve as one of the main entry points from mainland Surigao City, Surigao del Norte to Dinagat Island province.
When completed, the wharf will also serve the fishing activities in the area and transport of passenger and goods from/to San Jose (capital town in Dinagat Islands), Surigao Port and other nearby towns and barangays.
The allotted budget for the Placer and Dinagat projects is part of the DOTC's P93.8 million budget to improve the country's seven seaports in anticipation of increased commercial shipping activities.
In their visit early this year here, Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad assured Surigao del Norte solons Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District) and Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd District) and Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairman Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas that the port infrastructure projects will further boost the economic activities in the province and nearby areas in the region.
Roxas and Abad also assured additional budget for the Surigao City and Siargao Island Airports to support the tourism industry of the province following the continuing increase of tourist arrivals and booming mining, agricultural, tourism and fishing industries.
source:
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