The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is eyeing the transformation of San Pedro Port in Iloilo City into a hub for roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels, aimed at boosting the city’s economy.
On Wednesday, March 26, PPA Panay-Guimaras Port Management Office manager Allan Rojo sought a resolution of no objection from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the Port Zone Delineation Plan of the Iloilo Baseport project.
The plan is to expand Fort San Pedro port toward the Fishing Port Complex and add standard ramps to accommodate medium- and large-sized RoRo vessels.
It also proposes transferring RoRo operations from Lapuz Wharf and Dumangas Port to Fort San Pedro, making it a central RoRo hub.
“The mayor (Jerry Treñas) is encouraging us to transfer also the operations of Dumangas Port to Iloilo, making Iloilo similar to a RoRo hub,” Rojo said in an interview.
Lapuz Wharf currently serves Iloilo-Guimaras routes, while Dumangas Port connects to Bacolod. Relocating these operations to San Pedro is expected to improve efficiency and boost trade.
PPA assured that the expansion would not affect heritage areas, excluding Rotary Park and Muelle Loney.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod referred the proposal to its zoning and transportation committees for review.
The expansion was part of the agenda during Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s visit to Iloilo on March 8.Perla Lena/PNA
