“Every project is an opportunity to learn, to figure out problems and challenges, to invent and reinvent.” –David Rockwell

Don’t get too excited just yet and immediately believe the Port of Iloilo in Loboc, located in Iloilo City’s Bo. Obrero district, will instantly transform into a major international gateway once the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) completes its P8.7 billion development program. It’s not bad to dream big and wish for magnificence but, even in day dreaming, there’s a limit.
Development, expansion, or upgrades are always welcome for major infrastructure programs and private sector initiatives, such as the one proposed by ICTSI, should be commended. However, while pushing for these major projects, one must be realistic. The ICTSI project, which is currently under review by the Philippine Port Authority, is looking at four “development phases,” including the installation of gantry cranes and continuous upgrades. The plan also includes the construction of a cruise ship terminal.
How plausible is it for cruise ship terminal be integrated in a busy seaport that serves international shipping, handling sugar and fertilizer shipments for international market? Where within the port’s 20.8 hectares does the cruise ship terminal go at a facility that accommodates for a multitude of shipping lines? The port is also adjacent to a mammoth residential colony and small industrial district, how will they be affected?
The Port of Iloilo, a natural artificial type harbor, cannot be compared to the world’s busiest and largest seaports, such as the Port of Shanghai, a deep-water seaport/riverport and the biggest port in the world based on cargo volume. Shanghai handled 744 million tons of cargo in 2012, while Iloilo manages 491.7 million tons annually; it doesn’t even compare to the Port of Singapore, which handled 537.6 million tons of cargo in 2012.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ