Korea grants Philippines $10M to rehab ports

The Iloilo provincial government has secured a $10-million grant from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to rehabilitate and develop ports in the 3 northern towns that were hit hardest by typhoon Yolanda last year.

Mario N. Nillos, Iloilo provincial planning and development officer, said the Northern Iloilo Comprehensive Fishery Rehabilitation and Development project will benefit the towns of Concepcion, Estancia, and Carles.

The proposed rehabilitation and development project will cover the reconstruction of the ports’ landing quays and causeways and berthing and servicing piers.

The town of Concepcion will be prioritized as its port is the least developed among those of the 3 beneficiary towns.

Mayor Millard S. Villanueva of Concepcion said the town’s proposal will cover the expansion of the causeway, construction of a passenger terminal and rehabilitation of the landing area, cafeteria, tourist lounge, Coast Guard station, water system, and parking area.

Andrew S. Ravena, Estancia municipal engineer, said the town proposed reconstructing its damaged fish market, enhancing existing the refrigeration and storage facility and constructing a waste-water treatment plant.

“The project cost is estimated at $3.4 million,” he said.

The municipality of Carles, meanwhile, proposed upgrading the port’s storage facility and expanding the causeway and landing area.