ARMM port revenue improves in first half of 2016

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=898256
• Friday, June 24, 2016

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, June 24 (PNA) -- Port authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) announced Friday a huge improvement of port revenues as compared to previous years.

Hexan Mabang, Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA-ARMM) and Polloc Port manager, attributed the increased revenue to "restored confidence of importers and shipping firms to the port administration and the regional government."

In a statement, Polloc Port management reported that in 2015, it generated PHP91.052 million in port duties and taxes.

During the first six months of 2016, the port has already collected PHP57.373 million revenues, Mabang said.

Mabang said since reforms were instituted in the port, the major and lone gateway to mainland part of ARMM and Region 12, port activities have greatly improved.

He said the number of domestic, regional and international vessels using the port have increased.

In a report to Bureau of Customs (BOC) Davao where the Polloc Port was under supervision, Mabang said many traders in the provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao prefer goods coming in via the Polloc Port because of improved services and safety of transport vehicles that bring the goods from the port to North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

"This is in support of Gov. Mujiv Hataman's desire to make the free port priority point of entry of goods in the region," Mabang said.

Mabang said since the port is already experiencing congestion of huge and foreign vessels, he submitted a proposal to the regional government for consideration about possible 200 to 300 meter length extension of the current 400 meter berthing place for vessels.