THE Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) is planning to develop the Sibutu Passage in Tawi-Tawi as an international transshipment hub.
The plan is also shared by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm)-Regional Economic Zone Authority (Reza).
Minda Policy Planning and Project Development Director Reyzaldy Tan, in a recent interview, told reporters that this is a possible development accounting that there is already an on-going activity in the channel wherein hundreds of local and international vessels are passing through it daily.
“It is already there, we can’t waste this opportunity, we have to maximize the area so we can benefit in terms of revenue income for the development of Tawi-Tawi and the rest of Armm,” he said.
Sibutu Passage is a deep channel some 18 miles wide that separates Borneo from the Sulu archipelago.
Tan said for the plan to be realized sustainable amount of power band water supply must be put in place.
Necessary facilities must also be established in the area.
“What we envision for this is to have a ship building or pier. Apart from Peza and Reza, the local government of Tawi-Tawi’s assistance is also needed,” Tan said.
He added Minda, Peza and Reza already had an initial discussion about the plan wherein all agreed to create a working group where all sectors are represented.
“Actually, there is already a study on this conducted 12 years ago by a professor based in Tawi-Tawi. It was not given much attention before until this administration,” Tan said.
Minda Chair Secretary Datu Abdul Khayr Alonto said establishing ecozones (economic zones) are essential in spurring growth in the island-region particularly the Armm.
“We are preparing Tawi-Tawi to become the next Singapore, where investors and tourists flock together to conduct business and leisure in the islands. This may be a wishful thinking, but as long as we work together, this dream is not far from happening,” Alonto said adding that the plan will start this year.
Regional Economic Zone Governor Mujiv Hataman said in a statement the Armm Government supports the new thrust of Peza to embark on new frontiers.
He said the objective is to establish at least one ecozone in the Armm provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur and the city of Marawi by 2020.
Hataman added they intend to invite 10 multi-national companies from Middle East and Asean including Bimp-Eaga to operate in Armm.
At present, there is only one operating ecozone in Armm, the Polloc Free Port in Parang, Maguindanao.
Presently, it is generating P134 million according to the Bureau of Customs from only P75,000 in 2013.