BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Another port is expected to rise soon in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, as the privately-owned port in its Brgy. Manta-angan opened for business yesterday.
Mayor Marvin Malacon, who is unopposed in the May 9 elections, yesterday said that private port in Brgy. Manta-angan, EB Magalona is owned by FF Cruz Shipping Corporation, while the proposed development of a port in Brgy. Tuburan will be made through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Lots of opportunities for EB Magalona are expected to come in with the port operations in Brgy. Manta-angan, EB Magalona, he added.
A new RoRo route will connect the Bay-ang Port in Ajuy, Iloilo to Manta-angan Port in EB Magalona.
On the other hand, the Lite Ferry shipping company owned by Lucio Sy is proposing to develop through PPP the Tuburan Port, which will connect to a port in Banate, Iloilo, Malacon said.
He also reported the ongoing measurement of wind characteristics in Brgy. Gahit, EB Magalona, where the Triconti Windkraft Group, a company engaging in the development of offshore energy projects in the Philippines, is eyeing as a possible site for sources of renewable energy.
If it pushes through, this will help address the shortage of power and would mean more economic growth for EB Magalona, Malacon said.
In the past three years of his administration, Malacon reported that they have already completed 75 to 80 percent of targeted infrastructure projects in EB Magalona, which is now being continued.
Malacon, who accompanied his re-electionist Vice Mayor Eric Matulac and eight incumbent councilors during a caravan on major thoroughfares of EB Magalona, said that he will also focus in providing livelihood opportunities to his constituents who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reported that they are now disbursing native chickens and Lapu-Lapu fingerlings to residents of some barangays, and strengthening organic farming in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, in the next three years.
Malacon also announced the operation of a Bangkok-inspired floating market and restaurant with “instagrammable” scenes in Brgy. Madalag, EB Magalona, after the election period, following the success of the Tomongtong mangrove eco-trail tourist attraction, also in the town.
To ensure the continuing development of EB Magalona, Malacon enlisted the support of Saraviahanons in the reelection of eight incumbent councilors and his vice mayor candidate.*
