After inaugurating the rehabilitated and upgraded Talaga Port in Mabini, Batangas, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the government will build a roll-on/roll-off facility within the first quarter of 2022 to further improve the services of the port.
During his speech at the inauguration rites, Tugade said the RoRo facility will not only help drive tourism growth in Mabini, but will also benefit its residents.
“We envision having a RoRo facility here at the Talaga Port so that we can help tourist divers visit Mabini and also benefit those who live here—the workers and the students,” Tugade said in Filipino.
Mabini is a popular destination for scuba divers.
Tugade said the agency will start building the facility either in August or September.
“You can be assured that within six months from August or September, we will finish the RoRo facility,” Tugade said.
He added that he has asked the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to “prioritize residents” for job openings at the port.
The transport chief also said the DOTr will build a new pier in Tingloy Island as requested by the local government.
“With only one fast craft service available, residents of Tingloy have limited access to the city. We are planning to build another pier so that there can be two fast craft services for its residents. I have asked PPA and Marina to put up a pier there before the President’s term ends,” Tugade said.
Tugade led the inauguration of the rehabilitated Talaga Port on Wednesday. He said the old port was “old, damaged, and unsafe” for seaport use.
“With the opening of this new and improved port, we can assure port users that its operations are now safe, convenient, and now has ample space for the movement of people, product, and services,” he said.
Tugade added that 30 local residents were given jobs during the construction phase of the port project.
The modernized port is expected to attract more businesses and spur tourism in the area.
The Talaga Port is one of 14 completed social tourism and commercial projects in the province of Batangas. Ongoing are improvement works at Subukin Port in San Juan, Batangas.