DOTr and PPA have already completed 484 port projects since July 2016. 33 of which have been inaugurated in the last three months.

Sinabi ko noon na tatapusin natin ang Maribojoc, Tagbilaran, at iba pang pantalan sa Bohol. Ngayon, tapos na po ang mga ito. 7 port projects po ang in-inaugurate natin sa Bohol: ang Ports of Maribojoc, Tagbilaran, Jagna, Ubay, Tapal, Talibon at Loon.

Tapos na rin po ang Puerto Princesa Port Expansion Project.

In Surigao del Sur, we have also finished the Port of Cantilan Expansion Project. Ngayon, mas malawak at mas maganda na ang Port of Cantilan kaya’t nadoble na rin ang cargo-handling capacity nito.

Pinasinayaan din natin ang Siquijor Port noong Agosto. Mas pinalawak natin ang daungan ng pantalan para makapag-accommodate ng mas maraming vessels at mas malalaking barko.

We have also expanded and modernized the Port of General Santos. Now, it has a modern and world-class Port Operations Building.

Tinapos rin natin ang Port Operations Building ng Lucena Port. Dinagdagan din natin ng isa pang Pier ang pantalan.

Are we done? Not yet.

This November, we will have another simultaneous inauguration of 8 port projects in Mindoro. These are in the ports of Balatero, Puerto Galera; Roxas; Mansalay; Bulalacao; Bansud; Calapan and 2 completed projects in Abra de Ilog Port.

In Calapan Port, once the ongoing expansion of its terminal is complete, it will be the biggest Port Passenger Terminal to date as it can accommodate 3,500 passengers at any given time. Another seaport will also be completed soon – the Zamboanga Port, which can likewise accommodate 4,000 passengers at any given time.

We also continue to strengthen the capabilities of our Philippine Coast Guard.

Recently, we inaugurated in Iloilo the PCG District Headquarters in the Western Visayas to further strengthen the presence of PCG in the region.

We have also acquired new aerial assets for the PCG, such as the multi-role fixed-wing aircraft, Cessna Caravan 208.

We have also formally inaugurated the new Coast Guard Station Kalayaan in Pag-Asa Island in Palawan, to improve the living condition of Coast Guard personnel deployed in the area.

Sa tulong ng PCG Auxilliary, nagkaroon din ng Coast Guard Station Kalayaan sa Pag-asa Island sa West Philippine Sea, kung saan naitayo ang limang lighthouses sa Patag, Pag-Asa, Panata, Likas at Parola.

Natapos na rin natin ang Phase 1 ng development project sa Brgy. Pag-Asa Island Sheltered Port sa Kalayaan Island.

Aside from acquiring security assets, we are likewise strengthening our humanitarian capabilities.

When we came un July 2016, the PCG merely has 6,400 people. Now, the PCG force is 21,000 strong, and I want the PCG to have more volunteer members. In fact, the PCGA continues to welcome new members for the Coastal Community Auxiliary Division, which include fishermen, environmentalists, coastal community leaders, boat owners, and operators.

Source: DOTr Sec Art Tugade FB Page