Ferry operations transfer to fort san pedro mulled

ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is exploring the transfer of all roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ports in Iloilo City and province to Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City as part of its expansion plans for the Port of Iloilo.

PPA Iloilo and Guimaras Manager Alan Rojo said on Wednesday that the move aims to centralize RoRo operations and enhance the region's shipping infrastructure.

HISTORIC FORT SAN PEDRO Local residents and tourists leisurely stroll and hold picnic while awaiting for the sunset at the historic Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City. The place will soon become a hub for all roll-on/roll-off vessels. PHOTO BY RJAY ZURIAGA CASTOR

Rojo revealed that the ports under consideration for transfer include the RoRo facilities in Lapuz Norte, Iloilo City, and Barangay Sapao, Dumangas.

The Port of Iloilo currently comprises the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, Iloilo Fastcraft Terminal, and Fort San Pedro.

Rojo emphasized the need for expansion to accommodate projected increases in port traffic and to support the growing demands of the regional shipping industry.

"This is to make Iloilo a hub where all RoRo operations are centralized in the city itself," Rojo said during an interview on March 26.

In its regular session on Wednesday, the PPA has requested a Resolution of No Objection (RONO) from the Iloilo City Council for its Port Zone Delineation Plan for the Iloilo Baseport.

This plan will enable the PPA to implement zoning, development, and utilization programs for the port.

Once approved by the City Council, the RONO will be endorsed to the Regional Development Council, forwarded to the National Economic and Development Authority, and submitted to the Office of the President for final approval.

The proposed expansion will extend from Fort San Pedro to the boundary of the Iloilo Fishing Port Complex.

Rojo said the transfer also aligns with a broader development plan to restore and enhance the historic Fort San Pedro in the City Proper district.

He added that if RoRo services at Dumangas Port are relocated, only tramping vessels — cargo ships without fixed schedules — will remain operational there.

PPA recent plans follow a directive from Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier in March to explore the establishment of a new RoRo port at Fort San Pedro to boost the area's economic potential.