Puerto Princesa Port, Palawan
November 4, 2021

“We welcome this infrastructure development as we continue to overcome and recover from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our economy,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte when he led the inauguration of the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) Seaport Expansion Project at the Puerto Princesa Port in Palawan.

In his keynote address, President Duterte conveyed that the project is a significant milestone under the massive infrastructure program, ‘Build, Build, Build’, adding that it is envisioned to boost growth in Palawan and its nearby areas.

“This development is expected to accommodate increased vessel traffic, facilitate efficient handling of cargo and enhance the port’s productivity,” he said.

The Puerto Princesa Port serves as Palawan’s primary maritime gateway for commerce, trade and tourism. Its expansion project, made possible through the efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the PPA, was completed to improve the port’s productivity, particularly in its long-haul connection to Metro Manila and planned connectivity to Mindoro via the Port of Bulalacao.

In the past five (5) years, the Puerto Princesa Port underwent several expansions and improvements to address the needs of its users. This day, President Duterte, together with DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, inaugurated the port’s new additional back-up area. Its construction was completed on July 20, 2021.

During the event, the Chief Executive also read the proclamation for the commissioning of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) recently acquired Cessna Caravan Plane as the PCG 2081 Aircraft and unveiled the station marker of the PCG Kalayaan Station.

“As President, I assure you that we will uphold our territorial integrity no matter what the circumstance is. The aircraft is also equipped to undertake efforts and missions to transfer and deliver vaccines and test kits without affecting their lifespan or efficacy,” President Duterte continued.

“Furthermore, we can now engage in a vast array of missions such as Search and Rescue, Maritime Patrol and Surveillance, Air Ambulance utility roles and other PCG mandated duties to help our people during these challenging times,” he added.

The PCG Kalayaan Station, as shared by the DOTr in its Facebook page, is a newly constructed station located in Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan that is equipped with facilities that shall help sustain the living conditions of the personnel deployed in the Island who are securing the country’s maritime borders.

“My kababayans, this is your government at work. Let me assure you that we are fully committed to pursue a more comfortable life for everyone through the improved mobility and productivity of our people,” President Duterte ended.

* * *