Iloilo Port Modernization Project to Boost Regional Economic Growth

ILOILO CITY – The local government is focusing on the economic benefits that the upcoming modernization of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in the Lapuz district is expected to bring to the city and the wider Western Visayas region. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a statement on Tuesday, emphasized the potential increase in international container ship arrivals and the significant positive impact on economic growth that the port’s improvement would entail. As the chair of the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-6 (Western Visayas), Treñas has advocated for transforming the port complex into a state-of-the-art, efficient, and premier gateway for the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the notice of award (NOA) was granted to International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) on Monday, authorizing them to develop and manage the ICPC at a total project cost exceeding PHP10.5 billion. The PPA outlined that subsequent to the NOA issuance, the contract is subject to review by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel before it is signed, executed, and the notice to proceed is issued. Under the agreement, ICTSI will remit 20 percent of annual gross revenues to the PPA for the initial five years, followed by a fixed concession fee from the sixth to the tenth year, and then incremental increases based on the consumer price index every three years from the eleventh to the twenty-fifth year.

Upon completion, the facility will be renamed the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT). ICTSI plans to enhance terminal productivity and service quality by investing in the terminal’s infrastructure development and rehabilitation and deploying modern cargo-handling equipment. The terminal features 627 meters of operational quay length and 20 hectares of land designated for container and general cargo storage, warehousing, and various cargo-handling activities.

Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI Executive Vice President, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to undertake the Iloilo Port’s redevelopment. He highlighted the company’s commitment to significantly investing in infrastructure improvements, cargo-handing equipment, and operational efficiencies. Gonzalez underscored the port’s critical role in stimulating Iloilo’s economic and social development, aiming to establish it as a premier regional gateway.