BOLJOON town in southern Cebu has a new port, which opens the door for greater economic activity as well as visits by people from neighboring provinces.

The P31 million Boljoon Municipal Fish Port opened last Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, the Cebu Provincial Government announced.

The port in southern Cebu can now be used by fishermen and operators of small passenger pump boats.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Municipal Government of Boljoon spent for the port, while Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said Capitol would look into funding the possible extension of the port so it could accommodate roll-on, roll-off vessels.

Rep. Wilfredo Caminero (Cebu, 2nd district) has committed to add P20 million to widen the port.

The new port would enable the Municipal Government to monitor the movement of fish caught in the town after it was observed that fishermen had the practice of selling the fish directly to Cebu City or neighboring towns.

Boljoon Mayor Merlou Derama said the port may also encourage visits to Boljoon from people from the neighboring provinces of Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental (particularly Dumaguete City) since they would now have a port to dock at.

Boljoon is a heritage destination, hosting the centuries-old Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church, which has been declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Archaeological excavations in the area have unearthed cultural artifacts. (CTL)