Madridejos seeks RoRo port project funding

Local

THE local government unit (LGU) of Madridejos in northern Cebu is seeking funding for the establishment of a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) port facility.

Madridejos Mayor Romeo Villaceran, in his message during the out-of-town session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Madridejos on Monday, June 22, said they have already complied with the necessary documentary requirements for the project, including a feasibility study, project design, and approval from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

Based on initial estimate, Villaceran said the estimated cost for the RoRo facility is more than P200 million.

The LGU sees the necessity of establishing a RoRo port to provide faster and more convenient transport for its poultry and meat products.

Madridejos is known as the "Egg Basket of Cebu."

Villaceran said that aside from eggs, they also supply pork products to neighboring provinces.

He said trucks carrying the products currently travel from Madridejos to Santa Fe and then cross by sea to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio.

From San Remigio, the products are transported to Tabuelan, Cebu, then to Escalante City in Negros Occidental, before proceeding to Bacolod City and Dumangas in Iloilo.

A RoRo facility within the municipality, will significantly reduce travel time, the mayor said.

"So mao nay gihuna-huna nako nga gikan sa amo diri karon kay nag-start naman gyud mi sa among pantalan, ngadto sa Estancia, is only 2 and a half hours sa RoRo. From Estancia to Iloilo, mga 2 hours sad, gamay na lang ang byahe para maabot dayon ang among produkto diri sa itlog ug piggery," Villaceran said.

The LGU submitted the proposed project to the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), wherein only minimal corrections were required, including an adjustment in the project budget.

Villaceran said that under the previous Capitol administration, a P210-million funding allocation was approved by former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The project proceeded to the bidding stage and was even awarded to a contractor. However, it was not implemented after the former governor was unseated after the election.

Villaceran said they also endorsed the project to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which subsequently conducted an inspection.

He said DOTr personnel informed him that the agency would try to fund the project.

"Niinspeksyon na sad sila (DOTr) diri. So far, nisulti ra sad sila nga amo lang tinguhaan og basin pa lang nga makakuan mi ani by next year. But kana man gud nga term nga 'tinguhaan,' murag dili pa ta kaayo sure if ma-push through ba, pero at least kumpleto tag papeles ana," Villaceran said.

The aLand Bank also offered to finance the project through a loan, but the mayor declined.

Villaceran said he had already discussed the project with Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, who assured him that she would find a way to fund the facility.

During session, the Provincial Board unanimously approved a resolution expressing support for the project and urging concerned government agencies to provide funding so that it can be realized.(MyTVCebu)