San Jose de Buenavista, Antique - San Jose de Buenavista, the capital town of Antique, is set to receive a PHP290-million grant from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) aimed at upgrading its feeder port. This development was officially announced during the launching event of the PRDP held in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, a collaboration between the World Bank and the Department of Agriculture, Mayor Elmer Untaran of San Jose de Buenavista received the certificate for funding eligibility on Monday. The grant is earmarked for extending the berthing area and constructing a new pier at the port, which was initially constructed in 2017.
Mayor Untaran, in an interview on Thursday, highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the current infrastructure only accommodates small fishing boats. The upgrade will extend the existing 164-meter berthing area to 444 meters, facilitating the docking of commercial and roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels. This enhancement is expected to bolster trading activities, not just in the capital but across the province.
The local government of San Jose de Buenavista also plans to designate a specific section of the port for fishing boats, moving away from the current practice of docking along various shorelines. This move is anticipated to streamline operations and generate additional income.
The project is poised to have a positive impact on the local economy. Mayor Untaran cited that the upgraded port would enable efficient transportation of key agricultural products like rice, vegetables, and copra to nearby areas such as Cuyo, Palawan, and other parts of the Philippines.
The port improvement project is slated to commence next year, according to the Local Government Unit (LGU). With these upgrades, San Jose de Buenavista anticipates a significant enhancement in its trading capabilities and economic growth.