PGMA inaugurates Socorro Feeder Port project
Surigao del Norte (16 February) – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated Tuesday (Feb. 16) afternoon the P41.211-million worth Socorro Feeder Port project in Socorro town, this province.
The President arrived here at 2:15 in Socorro port for the third leg of her Super Region tour, which is now focused on Mindanao Agribusiness Super-region and was welcomed by local officials of the town. Mrs. Arroyo was accompanied by Press Secretary Crispulo Icban Jr., Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Horace Ramos, Public Works and Highways Secretary Victor Domingo, Commission Hadja Luningning Omar of the Commission on Higher Education, Mindanao Agribusiness Super-region Champion Secretary Jesus Dureza, and Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino.
Upon arrival, the Chief Executive unveiled the project marker of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)-assisted project and was briefed by Sec. Mendoza.
Thereafter, Mayor Mamerto Galanida and 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas gladly welcome the President to the only town of Bucas Grande Island. Mayor Galanida then thanked the President for such a laudable project. With its formal inauguration, Galanida expects more local shipping companies to use the port.
Meanwhile, boat captain Marty Sarong, in a testimony, expressed his utmost gratitude to the President for the benefits enjoyed for having the Feeder Port.
Socorro Feeder Port Project is a component of a Social Reform Related Feeder Ports Development Package E implemented by the DOTC with a total project cost of PhP 41.211Million sourced from the proceeds of the Philippine government loaned from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
The said project started last April 16, 2007 and was recently completed on September 28, 2009. The project involves causeway extension, reclamation area, reinforced concrete pier, stairlanding and support facilities such as multi-purpose shed and toilet.
The President left at 3:00pm for Lingig, Surigao del Sur to inspect the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road project. (FE Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
