CdeO Port Remains Competitive

Domestic cargoes in major ports like Cagayan de Oro are still on smooth flow notwithstanding the global economic crisis said Transport official. The same official also said the local seaport in this city also remains to be competitive and of excellent standards.

Maritime Transport Undersecretary Thompson C. Lantion said last week that although a significant decline on exports is noted, this does not affect the flow of cargoes in domestic areas.

“By large the ports have not been affected with the economic downturn,” said Mr. Lantion on his visit to this city while inspecting the construction of the Laguindingan airport development project.

Available data from the National Economic Development Authority in Northern Mindanao showed that the region exported a total of $92.370 million in the first quarter of this year. However, of the same period of last year, exports were at $218.950 million. This means that the decline for this year was more than half of the value of exports during January to March in the previous year which is considered a substantial decrease.

Mr. Lantion said that despite the noted decline in international cargoes, the inefficiency rate is insignificant. “The national government also assures and makes sure that ports will not lay off workers,” said Mr. Lantion.

He commended this city’s seaport as a good example of strong partnership between the city government and the private sector.

Port Manager Efren Bollozos said that Oroport group, the group responsible for the handling services, has invested P50 million without a government guarantee.

He noted that the port has a capacity of handling 1.2 million boxes of fresh fruit to accommodate pineapple and bananas.

Mr. Bollozos added that the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan town has always complemented the operation of this city’s seaport. “Without the Mindanao Container Terminal, we would have been congested by now,” said Mr. Bollozos.

Mr. Lantion noted that the role of the seaport here is crucial since it has a strategic location in distributing goods to other parts in the country and while the country now ranks third in banana exports. Neighboring province Bukidnon hosts large production areas of pineapple and banana. (Pip Panaguiton)