P2 M port to serve Iloilo-Guimaras passengers mulled
Two officials assured that the present Jordan and Buenavista ports serving passengers to and from Guimaras will stay even with the proposed construction of the P2 million Eco Port as part of the infrastructure program for the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said the old ports will stay as the local governments of Iloilo and Guimaras already agreed to maintain it. The closure is already a non-issue as the ports will continue to cater to the needs of the passengers to and from Guimaras.
In the proposed construction of the P2 million new port, the Consultants for Comprehensive Environmental Planning said they should conduct a thorough study of the Iloilo-Guimaras ferry operations to define the market for the Eco Port and analyze the socioeconomic implications of the Eco port on existing ferry terminals to identify necessary actions. With the socio-economic implications come the issue on the closure or redevelopment of ports.
The consultants led by Architect Nathaniel von Einsiedel also proposed to consult with potential private sector investors for tourism and commercial facilities development.
Einsiedel said the construction of the Eco Port includes the construction of the terminal building. There should also be a tourism office inside the terminal building to guide and give information to the visiting tourists.
Einsiedel said the participation of the private sector in the construction and operation of terminal building should be encouraged. They can pour out their investment from the construction stage until the eventual operation of the port, he said.