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

COMELEC to conduct plebiscite for the creation of Davao Occidental

Voters to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’

The Commission on Elections is set to hold a plebiscite for the creation of the new Province of Davao Occidental, simultaneous with the October 28, 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

On July 23, 2013, Congress enacted Republic Act 10360 or an “Act Creating the Province of Davao Occidental.” Carved out from the present Davao del Sur, the new province consists of the Municipalities of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani.

In RA 10360, the COMELEC was mandated to supervise the conduct of a plebiscite for the approval of the creation of Davao Occidental by the majority of the votes cast by voters in the affected areas, within sixty (60) days after the Act becomes effective.

However, the COMELEC on November 27, 2012, suspended the conduct of all plebiscite as a matter of policy in view of the preparations for the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections. The policy of deferment was later extended by the COMELEC on July 9, 2013.

The poll body in a meeting held on July 31, 2013, then decided to hold the plebiscite for the creation of Davao Occidental simultaneous with the October 28, 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

According to the COMELEC, five (5) out of the eight (8) municipalities in the 2nd Legislative District of Davao del Sur shall compose the new Province of Davao Occidental, once approved in a plebiscite.

The registered voters of Davao del Sur, excluding Davao City, shall participate in the said plebiscite. As of the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections, Davao del Sur, excluding Davao City, has 523,862 total number of registered voters, the poll body furthered.

Voters in Davao del Sur shall use a different ballot in the October 28, 2013 Barangay and SK Elections as it would also include voting for the plebiscite. The COMELEC shall be printing special ballots for the purpose.


source: MyCOMELEC.tv