P12.5B project in San Fernando: Work on port begins soon

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has given the go signal for the P12.5 billion port project in San Fernando, Cebu.

Ruben Feliciano, president of First Sangat SF International Port Corporation, said CPA gave the go signal after the company complied with all documentary requirements for a port with a reclamation component.

These include the Notice to Proceed; Environmental Compliance Certificate; Area Clearance issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Permit to Construct the Port issued by the CPA; Clearance for the Port/Reclamation Project issued by Philippine Reclamation Authority; and clearances issued by all other government agencies concerned.

The project, which is located in Barangay Sangat, broke ground last March 2, 2018.

Atty. Felizardo Tiu, FSSFIP senior vice president, said they have addressed all environmental issues and concerns such as health safety, appropriate mitigating or enhancement measures, and monitoring requirements, especially those contained in the Environmental Impacts and Management Plan in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The EIS, for one, stipulates efforts against marine pollution.

“Tanan has been addressed already, even the nursery program and reforestation in support to the Green Philippines master plan. No cutting down of standing trees, especially mangrove trees during project implementation, instead enrichment planting shall be conducted by the proponent,” Feliciano said.

The company will also ensure that all commitment in the ECC approved shall be met during the project implementation.

Based on the master development plan submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) - 7, the company will build a one-hectare forest park at the project site for environmental protection.

Feliciano stressed that the project supports the 10-point socio-economic agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte, which envisions to reduce poverty through the "Build Build Build" initiative by tapping local and foreign investors for a joint venture.

“You know, under the present administration, the Build Build Build portal lists down high impact projects that are envisioned to increase the productive capacity of the economy, create more jobs, increase incomes, and strengthen the investment climate leading to sustained inclusive growth,” Feliciano said.

Complementary

Feliciano said the project in San Fernando is seen to ease congestion at the Cebu International Port (CIP) in Cebu City, which is planned to be transferred to Consolacion town.

Current problems experienced at the CIP include berthing and yard congestion.

Feliciano said the Sangat port will supplement what CIP lacks as volume grows and will ultimately contribute to the national, as well as the local economy by improving cargo handling capacity and reducing logistics cost.

“South Cebu will emerge its path to be full blown industrial zone. San Fernando, Cebu has been a pioneer municipality in South Cebu in terms of industry. The government has been consistently pursuing progressive industrial policies to meet the changing needs of the region's economy and industry,” he said.

Feliciano also cited the study of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2002, which found that congestion has become more serious due to increasing cargo volume.

He also pointed out that the well protected sea water of Sangat Bay and the virtual absence of a typhoon makes Sangat Port an excellent location for vessel's docking or berthing.

“The growth potential of Sangat Port, San Fernando, Cebu, would enhance the prospect foreign and local investors to attract and do business in the Region. Cebu provides ample trade opportunities for which Sangat Port could form a major gateway, likewise, it would act as an economic multiplier and help the rest of the economy thrive in the region,” Feliciano said.

Benefits

Once the project is completed and operational, the local government shall get shares from the discharge fee permit; hazardous waste fee; solid waste fee, among others.

The company will collect the fees intended for the LGU.

The people living in the barangay will also be prioritized to work in the project.

In fact, Feliciano disclosed they have signed a memorandum of agreement with the fisher folk, as well as the LGU and the community.

“Tanan pabor sa community. What I will be benefited here is my legacy only. I am not a selfish or greedy man. Life is so short. I just want to see the poor people there improve their lives and have the opportunity to escape poverty. Malipay na ko sa buong buhay ko ma-realize ning project ug hatag opportunity sa mga tawo sa San Fernando. Kasi ‘no man is more cheated than the selfish man’,” Feliciano said.

Feliciano described the 41-hectare project to be the driving force in the pursuit of sustainable development and management so that the poor people have the opportunity to escape poverty to uplift the socio-economic condition of the community for additional revenue and employment.

“Pasalamat ko kay Mayor Lakambini Reluya, LGU of San Fernado, and the barangay council of Sangat, the fisher folks, because they already favorably endorsed the project,” he added. (FREEMAN)