Sunday, March 09, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
LINGAYEN -- The seven-man technical team of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) earlier conducted a three-day topographic and hydrographic survey at the bay of Sual town to determine which area is suitable for an international seaport.
PPA Northern Luzon Manager Silverio Mangaoang Jr. said next on their line is to make a detailed engineering plan.
According to the PPA survey team head Leonardo Protacio, the project is environment-friendly.
Sual was selected as the best location for the project because of its deep seawater.
"Vessels use the Sual Bay as sanctuary when there is weather disturbance," Protacio said.
Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. has been campaigning for the construction of a seaport in the province.
He said having a seaport and an airport in the province play a big role in achieving economic development his administration is pushing since day one of his term.
Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has announced the release of the initial amount of P100 million to the Provincial Government to jumpstart the development and construction of the said project.
Elated with this development, Espino said the establishment of the seaport -- which is one of his long-term mega projects for the province -- would propel progress and transform Pangasinan as one of the country's premier provinces.
He has requested the PPA technical to finish the survey and plans, if possible, within one month. He also asked the PPA officials to include shipbuilding repair of deep-sea fishing vessels to the design of the seaport.
The international seaport, a joint effort of the Provincial Government, Local Government of Sual and PPA, is projected to be finished in three years time. (LCMY/Sunnex)
