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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CPA opens its Child Dev’t Center for its employees with children

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) opened the very first Child Development Center (CDC) for its employees and their children on June 15 at the CPA compound, the very first CDC established by a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) in Central Visayas.

“This initiative is not only about providing accessible childcare services for our employees. It is also our humble contribution to addressing the broader challenges in early childhood care and development in our country. We are grateful for the guidance, technical assistance and unwavering support of our partners from the Cebu City Government and the ECCD Council, whose collaboration has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality,” CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III said at the event.

Commendador shared that the CPA Child Development Center aims to promote the health, safety and holistic development of young children while helping ease the responsibilities of working parents. This is CPA’s commitment to support its employees with children under five years old by providing a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate learning environment within the workplace.

“This is the first of its kind in Cebu and should inspire other government institutions to establish similar facilities for their employees and their children. I commend the CPA for pioneering the initiative,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said, in his inspirational message.

Archival commended the CPA, a model worth emulating by government institutions, seeking to strengthen early childhood development programs while enhancing employee productivity and well-being.

Commendador expressed his appreciation to the Cebu City Government, the ECCD Council and all partner agencies for their guidance, technical assistance and unwavering support in making the project a reality.  He also thanked the Cebu Port Commission for its trust, support and approval of the program, emphasizing its significance for the welfare of CPA employees and their children.

Officers and representatives of the CPA Multipurpose Cooperative (CPAMC) donated Emergency Go Kits for all children enrolled in the program and it also sponsored uniforms and school bags for both the learners and teachers.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Cebu City Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) focal persons Martha Ricablanca and An-an Abordo; ECCD Council representative Newelle Magas and Cebu Port Commissioners Alan Alfon, Atty. Joselito Pedaria, Atty. Leo Canares and Joy Roble graced the launching event. (Photos: CPA)

 

 

 

CPA grants 50% discount on remittance share of Cebu domestic cargo handling service providers

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) approved a 50 percent discount across the board to all CPA accredited Domestic Cargo Handling Service Providers operating in the Ports of Cebu, on the Domestic Cargo Handling Share to be remitted to the Authority, effective May 11, 2026 to July 10, 2026 to help mitigate the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis affecting the cargo handling sector. 

CPA Board Resolution No. 1383-2026 passed on April 17 during the Special Board Meeting of the Cebu Port Commission, prescribed the 50% discount.  This is an additional measure to aid partner cargo handling service providers operating at various CPA managed operated ports amid the ongoing energy crisis, following the posted Memorandum Circular No. 04-2026 last April 01, 2026.

CPA general manager Francisco Comendador III said that this measure is subject to periodic review, as part of CPA’s continued support to port stakeholders and the domestic cargo sector, adding that the CPA remains committed to ensuring the continuous and efficient delivery of port services while supporting the maritime industry and the commuting public during the ongoing fuel crisis.

Comendador, in his remarks at the Marine Expo this month, he bared that initial estimates revealed that nearly P2M in revenues that had been waived for the first two days of the implementation of the discounts and the suspension of terminal fees.

As of April 26, waived fees since April 18 amounted to P4.76M, about 65 percent of which accounts from the waived Passenger Terminal fees. The effect of the waived revenue is on the net income to be remitted annually to the national government as part of its mandate being a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC), the CPA said.

Due to the waived revenues, CPA's remittance to the National Treasury might have a significant decrease if and when the economy will not bounce back to normal or higher port traffic in the next weeks or months.

Commendor added that CPA’s loss of income will not affect the quality of services provided to passengers. The Authority ensures the uninterrupted delivery of essential port services, including infrastructure maintenance, utilities, sanitation, security and emergency response. (Photos: CPA/Google Images)

 

 

 

 

CPA all set for OPLAN BIYAHENG AYOS: UNDAS 2025

CEBU – All systems go for “OPLAN BIYAHENG AYOS: UNDAS 2025, says the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) as it expects a surge of travelers during All Saints and All Souls Day observance on November 1 and 2, with its implementation running from October 30 to November 4, 2025. 

CPA general Manager Francisco Comendador emphasized the agency’s commitment to passenger safety with the deployment of 24/7 security operations throughout the six-day period.  Over 261,000 passengers passed through Cebu Ports during UNDAS 2024. 

For 2025, the CPA anticipates a substantial increase in passenger volume as the holidays fall on a weekend, projecting the numbers to reach 350,000 or more across all ports in Cebu, Comendador said.

CPA, in coordination with the Cebu City government has installed ‘portalets’ outside passenger terminals serving as temporary sanitation facilities.  Explosive and narcotics detection dogs are also deployed in all port terminals to further strengthen security measures.

Inter-agency meeting to ensure implementation of UNDAS 2025

To ensure the safe, smooth and organized travel across the Visayas and Mindanao areas, CPA with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other partner agencies met today, October 28 to finalize operational plans and implementation of the comprehensive measures to enhance security and streamline port operations.

Comendador bared that the team is monitoring the orderly movement of passengers, address reports of ticket scalping and overpricing of porterage fees within the port facilities. 

“To avoid those kinds of incidents, we strongly encourage passengers to book tickets early and make use of available online booking options offered by shipping companies.  This not only guarantees a legitimate ticket but also helps ensure a smooth and hassle-free boarding process,” he added.

Comendador said that CPA strictly enforces the “No Ticket, No ID, No Entry” policy allowing only passengers with valid tickets and proper identification to enter port premises at least two hours before departure.

For the safety and convenience of all travelers, Comendador informs the public that there are Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) and first-aid stations in every terminal to assist passengers, respond to emergencies and address queries throughout travel period.

Status of ports in Northern Cebu

Comendador also informs the traveling public on the status of ports in northern Cebu—Maya Port in Daanbantayan and Carmen Port are now fully operational.  Kawit Port in Medellin and Polambato Port in Bogo City are still under limited operations.

Hagnaya Port in San Remigio remains operational, except during pepriods of highest tide, while Port of Sogod and Port of Tabogon are still closed for operations. 

For latest updates and advisories, follow CPA on Facebook.  For issues and concerns, message CPA’s official Facebook page or email publicaffairs@cpa.gov.ph. (Photos: CPA)

 

P16.93B new Int’l Container Port soon to rise in Consolacion, Cebu

CONSOLACION, Cebu—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista with Consolacion Cebu Mayor Teresa Alegado, CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III with the officials from the Korean Embassy and the EDCF Korea Eximbank and other hosts of local officials inaugurated the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) in Consolacion, Cebu on February 5 marking the start of the P16.93 billion port infrastructure projects in Cebu Province. 

“The NCIP is more than just a port, but a symbol of progress, commitment and efforts to meet the future demands of the maritime industry. The project is seen to improve port capacity, not only meets but exceeds the current demands of the transportation industry,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in his opening message.

According to Cebu Port Authority general manager Francisco Comendador, III that the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) is a P16.93B infrastructure project that involve the construction of an international container port equipped with five quay cranes in a reclaimed land of 25 hectares with a 500-meter berth length; 14,000 container yard capacity, and water depth of (-12) meters to accommodate two 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) vessels.

Comendador added that the project was awarded to a Korean HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., Ltd., and is expected to be completed by 2028.  Once completed, the NCICP increases the operational capacity of the main cargo gateway in the Central Visayas Region by redistributing the international container volume from the existing Cebu International Port to the NCICP, which will improve handling and container stacking facilities.

The project will also alleviate road congestion around Cebu Base port and provide a more efficient and reliable port infrastructure for the unimpeded flow of goods and services. This development is crucial to meet the increasing cargo demand and support the growth of commerce and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions, Comendador said.

“This collaborative project symbolizes the enduring friendship and partnership between Korea and Philippines.  The transformative impact of this project is elevating Cebu’s role as  a key maritime hub of South East Asia,” Senior Executive Director Kiyeon Hwang of the EDCF Korea Eximbank said.

Hwang added that the project plays a crucial role not only make goods more affordable but will also create jobs and opportunities for port related activities that could improve local and global supply chain not only in Cebu but the entire country.

Bautista on the other hand added that the key objective of NCICP is to redistribute international container volume, to improve handling and container capacities, seamless flow of goods and services, ensuring the economy to remain robust and dynamic.

Also present during the ground breaking and time capsule laying ceremony were Senior Executive Director Kiyeon Hwang of the EDCF Korea Eximbank, Executive Vice President Kim Yong-Woon of the HJ Shipbuilding and Construction and Country Manager of the Yooshon Engineering Corporation Jin-Ho Lee; Ako Bisaya Party-list Representative Sonny Lagon and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), Usec. Terence Calatrava.

It can be recalled that in December 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of several key transport deals expected to improve the country’s transportation system including the signing of the contract for the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu BRT), modernization of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, as well as the Agreements for the New Dumaguete and New Siargao airports. (Photos: Cebu Port Authority)