By MAE SINGUAY

The Manapla municipal government is projecting to earn a revenue of about P10 million each year when the new port in Barangay Punta Salong officially begins operations.

Mayor Manolet Escalante said the new port will bring economic growth to the local government unit as it will provide more opportunities for the locals.

It also helps boost local tourism, he said.

The port, which will be operated by a private company, Manapla Port Stevedoring and Arrastre (MPSA), will begin full operations on June 28.

Escalante said the locality could still have income through transport services for passengers going in and out of the port.

“Once this pier opens kag sa dalayon nga mga tinuig mag-operate sila, things will happen, opportunities will happen, when you take the risk, when you believe in something nga gina-obra niyo,” Escalante stressed.

“Kami nga Manaplahanon excited na, dugay na ‘ni namon nahulat kay bangud indi involved diri ang local government unit,” he added.

The initial operations of MPSA will serve to link up the new maritime route from Ajuy port in Iloilo province to Manapla port through heavy and light roll-on/roll-off vessels with an estimated travel time of about 90 minutes.

Daily trips from Manapla to Ajuy are scheduled at 7:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 1:00 a.m., while return trips will depart at 4:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.

MPSA spokesperson Dave Sarrosa said the port will develop livelihood projects that will help people make a living by providing employment and business opportunities to improve the well-being of the community and sustain their living conditions for a better future.

He said maritime transport improves the trade and contacts between international countries as well as increases the income of the people through the growth and development of tourism in the country./MS, WDJ