Philippine Ports Authority, Zamboanga City
December 2, 2021
Following a series of events at the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte proceeded to the Temporary Passenger Terminal Building (TPTB) at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Zamboanga City for the inauguration of 143 Social and Tourism Ports and the Zamboanga City Seaport Development Project.
The President led the unveiling of marker of the Port of Busay in Sacol Island — as part of the ceremonial inauguration of the 143 Social and Tourism Ports completed since 2016 – and the Zamboanga Seaport Development Project located in the Port of Zamboanga.
In his remarks, he acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the PPA in leading the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of the country’s ports, saying that these projects, which are milestones achieved under the government’s massive ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program, will boost several industries especially the shipping, fishing and tourism sectors.
“Also with more employment to be generated for various localities, we can now look forward to a stronger economy and the improved lives of our people under the new normal,” President Duterte said.
According to the DOTr, the maritime development initiatives fulfilled in various regions across the archipelago are envisioned to provide better accessibility to coastal and island communities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in displaced areas due to rasping sea conditions and those that are in straitened circumstances.
Moreover, these aim to provide better port infrastructure for the fishermen, banca operators and the riding public that shall in turn, enhance maritime mobility and connectivity, and open doors for economic, tourism and income-generating opportunities.
Additionally, President Duterte conveyed that as his term is about to end, the administration will continue to implement vital infrastructure projects to improve the lives of his countrymen. “We remain committed in pursuing sustainable development projects that will benefit all our kababayans even beyond 2022,” he ended.
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