Private port operator Globalport Terminals is expected to present its plans for the modernization of the Sasa Wharf to the Regional Development Council (RDC 11) in March this year.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lim announced on Friday that NEDA 11 already communicated with Globalport concerning the modernization plans for Sasa Port.
Considered the most important container terminal and port in Mindanao, Davao Sasa Port serves the needs of the Davao Region and neighboring provinces.
“The Sasa Modernization Project is now operated by a private port operator, the Globalport. We have yet to be presented with the plans of the Globalport. We have gotten in touch with them with the Philippine Ports Authority so they are expected to present to the Regional Development Council with the infrastructure committee sometime in March,” Lim said.
Globalport bagged the contract for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Port of Sasa in Davao City. Its plans include berthing management, container terminal management, passenger terminal management, stevedoring services, and reefer facilities and services.
The largest government-owned seaport in the Davao Region, the project includes upgrading the general cargo berths and building a backup area to accommodate rising cargo volumes.
Based on Resolution No. 11 of the Regional Development Council (RDC), 118 Series of 2014, the Davao (Sasa) Port Modernization Project is expected to provide a dedicated containerized port, facilitating trade with Mindanao and the Philippines; support the developing agro-modern area; through the creation of a financially sound PPP scheme, contribute to the creation of an environment that is conducive to and serves as a model for private sector participation in port infrastructure; and boost economic activity in Mindanao and the region.
The Sasa Port project is one of Mindanao’s most important infrastructure projects, according to the RDC. Both the main gateways in the region — Sasa Port and the Davao International Airport — need significant upgrades. These upgrades are anticipated to boost the economic development of the region as well as the physical connectivity of the region.
