Davao eyes to be center for cargo loading in Mindanao

Davao City’s ports are being eyed to become the the loading areas of all banana, pineapple and other raw materials in Mindanao. This was according to Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry VP Sofronio Jucutan, who was interviewed by the Philippine Information Agency.

Jucutan said that one pineapple company alone loads eighty containers of pineapple a day in a local wharf and its goods pass through the Carlos P. Garcia towards the loading area.

“It adds up to the usage of the road that will affect the road serviceability including the bridges,” he said.

He stressed that there is sure benefit with the use of the city’s ports, since the port in General Santos City no longer offers services to ocean vessels. He said vessel owners opt to dock in Davao City since docking in Gensan will accrue them more fees inclusive of the pilotage.

Jucutan said making Davao City a docking area also benefits the docking pilots who guide the vessel from the sea to the docking area.

“Davao is the center of exports in Mindanao,” he said.

Jucutan also said that docking in Davao ports is more advantageous than in General Santos and the Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao.

“Ocean vessels come to Davao than any other port in Mindanao,” he said.

Jucutan said it is good for the local economy since sea farers buy food here, go shopping and also become clients of local entertainment.

(PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)