The Cebu Provincial Government is proceeding with the construction of Phase II of the new Santa Fe Port project after the Provincial Board (PB) greenlighted this important infrastructure in Bantayan Island.
During the PB’s regular session on July 8, Gov. Gwen Garcia was given the authority to enter into a contract with a private firm for the construction of Phase II of the port that is seen to address an important ecological and tourism concern in the said island.
“Mas mapalambo pa ang tourismo sa Isla sa Bantayan, specifically sa Municipality sa Sante Fe, because by renovating the port, masulbad ang issue sa sand erosion,” fifth district Board Member Red Duterte, chair of the PB committee on tourism, told 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬.
“Ang balas makaagi na sa ilawm sa port, matagaan nag equal amount of sand ang katong right side sa port,” he added.
The total cost of Phase II is a little over P110 million, and it is expected to be completed in 269 days.
The agreement encompasses the supply of labor, materials, and other necessary items to build a new reinforced concrete deck with a ramp for roll-on/roll-off vessels, and to set up gangway facilities for motorized boats at the Santa Fe Port.
According to BM Duterte, the contractor will be given a Notice to Proceed with the next stage of the project.
Environmental studies have shown that the existing rock causeway of the port is the reason why the fine sand in Santa Fe is unevenly distributed.
With the construction of the reinforced concrete deck, water and sand will be allowed to freely flow underneath the causeway, thereby addressing the environmental issue and further enhancing Santa Fe’s world class beauty and allure.
The port construction will be done in four phases, with initial budget of at least P500 million. It will have a total length of approximately 350 meters, almost the same length as the existing structure.
In June 2023, Gov. Garcia announced that the CPA has approved the request of the Province of Cebu for the Capitol to construct a new and environmentally friendly port in Santa Fe.
The CPA has also allowed the Province of Cebu to manage and operate the new port once its construction is completed.| Text by Ciahana Cañete, CNU Intern; Photos by Shane Intong and Gwyneth Tayactac, CNU Interns