THE Philippines Ports Authority (PPA) will rehabilitate the port of Jolo, the capital town of Sulu, to boost the water transport sector in the province, a top official said Thursday.
PPA Port District Office-Southern Mindanao (PPA-PDO-SOMIN) Principal Engineer Jameson Lee said they have commissioned the Science and Vision consulting firm to undertake a feasibility study in preparation for the rehabilitation of the Jolo port.
Lee said the study will focus on how to maximize the port based on the socio-economic profile of the province.
Science and Vision Head Consultant Engineer Malou Mamatad said the feasibility study will include tourism, international standards, local economic development, port management and other concerns.
The feasibility study will have a time frame of approximately six months, Mamatad said.
The Science and Vision consulting firm was also the one commissioned by PPA to conduct feasibility study for the ports of Davao and Zamboanga.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said he is pushing for the rehabilitation of the Jolo port since it serves as a gateway for economic development of the province.
Tan said an updated port facility is of great importance and a vital component to sustainable economic growth of the province.
He said the port of Jolo was extended by 78 meters in 2000 during the time of then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
He said the extension project costing P54 million include the construction of roll-on-roll-off docking area and installation of lighting facilities. (Bong Garcia)
