The Terminal Management Office of Opol proposed for the adoption of the cargo handling tariff for the Port of Opol on 12 September 2019 during a Public Hearing held at the Municipal Hall.
The public hearing was conducted to ensure transparency, comprehensive deliberation, and active participation of stakeholders. The event was also attended by the LGU personnel, prospective port users and representatives from other government agencies such as Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Environment & Natural Resources, among others.
The proposed cargo handling tariff which is comparable to the tariff of the Port of Cagayan de Oro, its nearest government port, was duly deliberated by port stakeholders and partner agencies during the public hearing. The tariff incorporates present and future services which will be catered at the port. No objection was raised by the stakeholders at the end of the event. Nonetheless, attendees were advised that the may submit position paper within 10 days for any further comments and recommendations relative to the proposal.
The result of the public hearing will be submitted to the Commercial Services Department of PPA Head Office in Manila for further study and evaluation, and for subsequent approval by PPA Management.
The Port of Opol, which was inaugurated last 15 July 2019, serves as an alternate port for domestic tramping vessels calling at the Port of Cagayan de Oro. The opening of the port is projected to help hasten the delivery/transport/loading of cargoes coming to/from the western part of the Misamis Oriental and would subsequently aid in the reduction of the vessels’ waiting/standby time and increase port productivity, and at the same time boost economic activity in the locality. — by EA Calo