Philippine Port Authority takes over the underdeveloped Malalag port in Davao del Sur

Port of Malalag, photo: DoTr

DAVAO CITY, Davao
— To further cement Davao’s claim as the third major international gateway in the country, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has taken over management and operations at its Malalag’s port to upgrade the terminal to international standards.

The PPA and the local government of Malalag already formalized the transfer through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by town mayor, Peter Paul T. Valentin and PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, end of last month.

According to Santiago, the local government unit (LGU) of Malalag in Davao del Sur yielded the operations of the port to the PPA in order to give the terminal the much-needed facelift as it has been underdeveloped since the port was devolved to the LGU in May of 2000.

“With PPA now at the helm, much bigger infrastructure development for the terminal is in the offing to spur economic growth not only in Malalag but play a vital role in the economic boom in the province of Davao del Sur,” Santiago said.

Malalag Port, photo: ctto

“The Mayor already agreed to the proposed development of Malalag port, which will start at the end of this year, with an initial cost of P500 million,” Santiago added.

“The MOA is significant as it coincides with the 50th Founding Anniversary of Davao del Sur, thus, marking a new era for development and progress for the next 50 years,” Santiago explained.

In May of 2000, PPA devolved the management and operations of the port to the local government of Malalag pursuant Administrative Order No. 02-1998. Malalag operated the port even prior to the takeover despite their contract to operate the port expired on July of 2011. However, under the control of the LGU, the physical infrastructure as well as dredging, physical landside infrastructure remained underdeveloped, prompting the need for PPA to come in.

Malalag wharf is located in the municipality of Malalag in the southwest coastline of Malalag Bay, Davao del Sur, at a distance of 25 kms. from Digos and approximately 88 kms. south of Davao City. Cargoes handled at the port include Molasses, Sugar, Steel Products, Vehicle and Heavy Equipment, and General Cargoes.


source: Philippine Port Authority