JANUARY 11, 2017, MANILA—The maritime community within and along the Panay island is getting a new boost after a multipurpose Maritime Center breaks ground at the heart of Iloilo City.
Set to be a one-stop shop for the maritime community, the venture is set to be completed within the second quarter of the year, which include among others, a four-storey building with roof deck and elevator including perimeter fence, driveway, parking area and soft scope.
The development, which will cost about P60 million, is a multi-agency initiative led by the Angkla Partylist through Rep. Jesulito Manalo, wherein the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) contributed the land while the building will be financed through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VI. The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), on the other hand, will provide the personnel to carry out the objective of the Center.
Photo shows (L-R) JBLFMU chairperson Dr. Mary Lou Arcelo, DPWH R-6 Asst. Director Engr. Al Fruto, Butch Panaguiton who represented Cong. Jerry P. Treñas, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Angkla Partylist Congressman Jesulito Manalo, Marina administrator Marcial Amaro III, Angkla Partylist vice chair Capt. Ronald Enrile, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, PPA Asst. General Manager for Finance and Admin Atty. Elmer Nonnatus Cadano, and PMO Panay/Guimaras Port Manager Jose Cesario Bautista.
Iloilo is a maritime center with a respected maritime school, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), that trains ship officers.
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