ISSUES and concerns involving the controversial Davao Sasa Port Modernization (DSPM) Project, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project which drew criticisms from the business sector, are targeted to be resolved within the year, the incoming Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) head said.
Incoming DOTC Secretary Arthur Tugade said Monday that he will look into the issues of the P18.99-billion project and will make sure that it will be implemented under the goal of spurring economic growth in Mindanao especially in the shipping and transportation industry.
“We will look on it (DSPM) especially on the suggested/indicative cost of the project, let me just look into the details of it first, the difference between P4-B to P17 or P18 billion, I do not want to jump into conclusions. This project calls for a study, if the plan will really contribute and trigger economic growth in this part of the country,” Tugade said at the sidelines of the consultative workshop with business community dubbed as “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungo sa Kaunlaran” in SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.
“If Sasa port is good for Davao and Mindanao, if it is transparent, if it will add to the development (economy), we will try to make a decision in a period of one year,” he added.
He also said that opposition and criticisms on government’s projects are essential to balance the views and come up with a better plan and direction.
When asked if he will also look into the proposal of the Davao Regional Development Council of developing other seaports in the region, the soon-to-seat as transportation and communication secretary also said that it will be considered as part of his consultation.
Last June 7 of this year, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, outgoing chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC), has sought for the development of other seaports, instead of pushing through with the controversial Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project. Rosario stressed that they are looking at the proposal of transferring the project to areas in the cities of Panabo, Tagum or Digos.
Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang also proposed Monday a total review of the controversial project.
Dayanghirang led the Davao City Council in approving a resolution opposing the project pursued by the Department of Transportaation and Communication and the PPP Center under Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for failure of the National Government to consult the local government and other stakeholders.
“Maybe we can integrate the project with the Mega Harbour development,” the councilor said, referring to the mixed-use property development involving the reclamation of hundreds of hectares along the coastal areas in barangays from Agdao to the mouth of the Davao River in Matina.
The project has been discussed and approved by the outgoing city council which has passed a resolution authorizing outgoing Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to sign a memorandum of agreement with the firm that will be tasked to develop the mega harbor.
“We can no longer expand the Sasa port area as proposed by Abaya because of its natural space limitation,” Dayanghirang said, adding that it is too small for an international seaport. (ASP)