International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has extended its contact with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to maintain and operate the Tacloban Port whilst repairs from Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ continue.
The proposed contract will continue for another six months and acts as a continuation of an earlier proposal.
ICTSI initially stood in as relief for existing port operators Leyte Integrated Port Services (LTIPS), Inc., whose equipment was crippled by the aftermath of the typhoon.
The new agreement will carry the provisions of this earlier pact, whereby ICTSI will continue the running of Tacloban Port using its own equipment to allow LTIPS time to recover.
ICTSI has spread its equipment across the facility as part of the relief effort, supplying 12 forklifts, seven generator sets, and six tower lights to support night time operations. The company has also provided several units of reachstackers for cargo movement.
An additional five payloaders have been brought in to assist with clearance operations.
Alongside this, Pilipinas Shell has also agreed to supply another P6 million in fuel to the port, providing a total P12 million in donations.
PPA Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana praised the efforts of the two parties: “I commend and appreciate the gesture showed by ICTSI and Pilipinas Shell in helping the PPA aid the reconstruction process not only of Tacloban Port but most especially the entire region,” PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana said.
“This guarantees smooth operation at the port while the process goes full blast.”
In an attempt to increase its involvement in efforts to reconstruct areas crippled by the typhoon and subsequent earthquakes, PPA has partnered with Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) “Walang Iwanan” programme.
The project requires volunteers to spend at least five days in areas ravaged by the tycoon and provide aid.
Sta Ana has already held several meetings with maritime stakeholders in an attempt to make them join the cause, with Pilipinas Shell already pledging to construct 200 houses.
Other stakeholders that include the Philippine Chamber of Arrastre and Stevedoring Operators, the Philippine ship agents association of international shipping lines as well as individual shipping lines such as Magsaysay, 2GO and Gothong have all pledged to provide manpower to the relief effort.
The PPA, GK and all other associated stakeholders are now working on plans as to how best provide aid to the affected areas.
