Port development in Negros Occidental., Iloilo mulled

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — Port development in Victorias City in Negros Occidental and the towns of Banate and Ajuy in Iloilo is now being studied.

Representatives Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occ.) and Stephen Paduano (Abang-Lingkod party-list) on Thursday met with Mayors Carlos Cabangal Jr. of Banate and Juan Alvarez of Ajuy to discuss the proposed port development project in the three local government units.

The Negrense lawmakers urged close coordination among the LGUs and the agencies involved so that a more comprehensive feasibility study can be finalized to support the proposal for final approval and funding from the national level.

Also present during the meeting were Philippine Ports Authority manager Enrique Fuentebaja; Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Regional Director Lea Delfinado, District Engineer Jaime Javellana; and Jorge Unson of Victorias Milling Company.

Presented during the meeting were proposals for development of the road network in Victorias City to support the proposed roll-on/roll-off port and the Miranda Port in Barangay 6A, as an alternative to the existing port in Daan Banwa. 

On the other hand, VMC, as a vital stakeholder in the port development project, provided volume of shipment data and other pertinent information, with a series of meeting being set in the days ahead.  (FREEMAN)