After the success of the Blue Lane Program of the provincial government of Sorsogon in addressing congestion at the Port of Matnog, the government has allocated an initial funding of PHP550 million for the construction of the province’s roll-in, roll-out (RoRo) terminal expansion project as a long-term solution, a National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) official said.

During a forum held at the provincial gymnasium here as part of the “Nagkakaisang Bumabangon: 2023 Pre-State of the Nation Address” (SONA) on Monday, NEDA Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno said the project involves the construction of an additional 14,979.28 square meters of operational area at the Matnog Port.

“Now to address that issue, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to implement the construction of the expansion of Sorsogon RoRo expansion project with the Port of Matnog with initial funding of PHP550 million, so may pondo po ang PPA para ma-expand yung capacity ng Matnog port (the PPA has fund to expand the capacity of Matnog Port),” Capuno said.

He noted that ports are a critical part of the supply chain, creating employment opportunities and significantly contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for the Maritime Sector Julius A. Yano emphasized the importance of the Matnog port as a gateway to Visayas and Mindanao.

“We understand the importance of the Matnog Port in the economy and in maritime transport. It is true that (Matnog Port) bridges Luzon to Visayas and Mndanao, and it is in Matnog Port were good, services and commodities are transported. If Matnog Port is not good enough, the goods from Visayas and Mindano and Bicol will have difficulty to reach Luzon,” Yano said.

The Blue Lane Program under the Katrangkiluhan (order) Program allowed a more convenient journey for travelers since it did not require long waits even during peak season.

“Ang probinsiya ng Sorsogon para maibsan ang problema trapiko sa Matnog, gumawa po kami ng mga ordinansa, akmang-akma sa pangangailangan ng mga taga Visayas at Mindanao. Hindi lang po kami gumawa ng hakbang para maibsan ang problema gumastos po ang provincial government ng pondo na PHP17 million to address the problem (For the province of Sorsogon to alleviate the traffic problem in Matnog, we made an ordinance, perfectly suited to the needs of the people of Visayas and Mindanao. Not only did we take steps to alleviate the problem, the provincial government spent PHP17 million to address the problem,” Governor Jose Edwin Hamor said.

He noted that previously, it would take three days for trucks from the Visayas and Mindanao before they could ride a ferry but the Blue Lane Program has cut the waiting time to only three hours.

“Salamat po sa mga nandito ngayon, masasaksihan niyo kung ano ang ginawa at ano ang gagawin ng national government para sa programang dekada ng problema ng buong Pilipinas (Thank you to those who are here today, you will witness what has been done and what the national government will do to address the decade problem that affect the entire Philippines),” Hamor added.

Meanwhile, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Torres Jr. in his message said the phenomenal progress resulting from the Blue Lane Program, RoRo expansion and the Bicol International Airport has not only boosted the region’s appeal to local, national and international investors but also opens up opportunities for growth and prosperity.

“We must also acknowledge the significant milestone of the Bicol International Airport in Albay, a testament to the vision of this administration. With the potential commencement of international flights, the airport will surely contribute to the exponential growth of tourism, creating a gateway to our beautiful region for travelers worldwide,” he said.

Torres said the achievements represent just a fraction of the comprehensive initiatives as part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to progress.

“We at the Philippine Information Agency commit to the crucial role of disseminating relevant and timely information about these programs and services. We will continue to ensure that the successes and impact of these initiatives reach every corner of the country, empowering our citizens with knowledge and opportunity,” he said.

The event, according to Torres, offers a broader perspective on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address, providing an opportunity for all to witness and experience the profound impact of government programs that prioritize the upliftment of citizens’ lives.

“Under the leadership of President Marcos, Region 5 has experienced an era of transformative change. None of these achievements would have been possible without the support and cooperation of the people of Region 5. It is your resilience, perseverance, and determination that have propelled us to these milestones. Your active participation in community development initiatives and your unwavering commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous region has been the driving force behind these accomplishments,” he added. (PNA)