CPA outlines northern Cebu Port rehab plans

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) led by General Manager Francisco Comendador III, formally updated the Cebu Provincial Board during its 17th Regular Session on June 15, regarding critical rehabilitation strategies for northern ports severely damaged by a recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

The briefing addressed immediate infrastructure restoration and opened conversations on restructuring revenue-sharing frameworks with local government units (LGUs). The CPA has designated targeted funding to reconstruct infrastructure across three heavily affected ports facilities—Port of Hagnaya, Port of Kawit and Port of Bogo.

Comendador explained that the full-scale rehabilitation has not yet started as these three affected ports are currently undergoing Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessment (EGGA) studies.

He emphasized that these assessments are necessary to ensure that all rehabilitation works are safe, appropriate and sustainable in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

While we are equally eager to complete the rehabilitation of these ports, we must ensure that every intervention we undertake prioritizes the safety of port users and surrounding communities,” Comendador said.

He assured the Provincial Board that the planned repair and rehabilitation works form part of CPA’s broader strategy to restore and strengthen port infrastructure in Cebu Province.

To address concerns regarding the possible relocation of some port facilities, the session highlighted pivotal operational and financial themes as the province moves from emergency response into long-term infrastructure stabilization.

Safety and Sustainability First: Comendador emphasized that rushing into construction without data would jeopardize public safety. The ongoing EGGA studies are being fast-tracked in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to ensure all structural interventions are resilient against future seismic activity.

LGU Joint-Investment and Revenue Sharing: In a notable policy shift, the CPA expressed openness to reassessing existing financial arrangements. LGUs willing to co-invest capital into developing and modernizing local port facilities may be eligible for new revenue-sharing models.

Regulatory Alignment: Any updated financial agreements will remain subject to existing maritime policies, requiring formal approval from the Cebu Port Commission (CPC) and close coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). (Photos: Cebu Port Authority)