Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
March 11, 2021

“We are gathered today for the inauguration of another successful project in enhancing the seamless connectivity of our islands, promoting more vibrant trade and tourism, bringing growth to the countryside,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte when he inaugurated the newly constructed Port Operations Building (POB) at the Port of Dumaguete in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

According to a report by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, the POB forms part of the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) aim to provide better and progressive port facilities and services across the country. It is a two-story building that will address the need for proper monitoring vessel of port arrivals and departures, and will provide a new and modern Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) for those traveling to nearby islands.

In his keynote address, President Duterte said that the PhP114 million facility is expected to raise over PhP13 million annually in passenger terminal fee collection.

Aside from having the capacity to serve an estimated 500 passengers, the POB also features the Port Integrated Clearing Office (PICO) — a one-stop-shop intended to expedite the processing of entrance and departure clearances for domestic and foreign vessels and cargoes. Housed within the facility are regulatory agencies and other offices such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Bureau of Animal Industry and Plant Industry to give convenience for transacting port users.

“As we venture into our several projects nationwide, let me reiterate the importance of completing all infrastructure projects on time and if possible within my administration with the least inconvenience to the public and with the strict adherence to the highest standards of honesty and integrity to prevent corruption,” said the Chief Executive.

Furthermore, as the country gradually reopens for economic recovery from the pandemic brought by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), President Duterte reminded the transportation sector and the travelling public to continuously observe public health and safety protocols, especially in public transportation facilities.

“It is only with everyone’s full cooperation that the nation can effectively contain the spread of COVID-19 and triumph against the pandemic. With these concerted efforts, I am confident that we will emerge a strong nation,” he ended.

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