TUBIGON, Bohol, Jan. 6 — Five years in the wake of the destructive magnitude 7.2 quake, Bohol’s Tubigon Seaport rises from the rubble as it reopens today, 05 January 2019.
In March 2018, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade inspected the Tubigon Port, and witnessed its sorry state. The transportation chief immediately ordered to fast-track its extensive repair and renovation.
Under the leadership of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago and PPA PMO Bohol Port Manager James Gantalao, with the guidance of Secretary Tugade, the repair was completed in less than nine months.
The renovated Port of Tubigon now has an expanded capacity to accommodate up to 28 ships including larger vessels, nearly thrice its previous capacity of 10 ships.
Further, it now boasts of three Ro-Ro wharfs for docking landing craft tanks (LCTs) and barges.
The air-conditioned Passenger Terminal Building can now accommodate around 4,000 passengers daily, a substantial increase from its previous 1,500-passenger capacity. Not only is it spacious, it also offers a child care station facility, and enhanced security facilities including a baggage X-ray machine and a walk-thru metal detector.
The rehabilitation project also includes the establishment of a one-stop shop for a more convenient clearing and payment of port charges; the repair of the pedestrian covered walkway, lighting system, security fence and gate; and improvements on the port access road.
The Tubigon Port serves as a primary dock to vessels plying the Tubigon-Cebu City route. It is also the best option for travellers from Bohol going to Cebu and vice versa because of the short travel time, numerous transport schedules, cheap fares and availability of public vehicles that ply the routes to any point in Bohol.
The rehabilitation of the Tubigon Port forms part of the government’s infrastructure plan to further develop Bohol’s economy, which was severely affected by the devastating quake that left hundreds dead and billions of pesos worth in damages.
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For news and updates from the Department of Transportation, visit their website at http://dotr.gov.ph.
