PPA: 12 Ports Up for Privatization

Not only airports are being privatized in swift succession by the government, but seaports, too, are lined up for public-private partnerships (PPPs), with 12 set to be turned over this year.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is preparing to complete the PPP of 12 ports in Luzon and Mindanao as part of efforts to tap private resources for infrastructure management.

Based on a list obtained by The STAR, the PPA aims to turn over to private control this year the ports of Balingoan, Jasaan, General Santos, Lucena, Roxas, Mansalay, Bulalacao, Bansud, Pola, Puerto Galera, Abra de Ilog, and San Jose.

Both the ports of Balingoan and Jasaan are in Misamis Oriental, while the port of General Santos is located in South Cotabato. PPA general manager Jay Santiago said his agency has wrapped up the feasibility studies (FS) for the Mindanao ports.

Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro houses the ports of Roxas, Mansalay, Bulalacao, Bansud, Pola, and Puerto Galera. The port of Lucena is in Quezon, while the ports of Abra de Ilog and San Jose are both in Occidental Mindoro.

All of the Luzon ports are awaiting the delivery of their FS, but Santiago said the PPA can finish both the studies and bidding this year.