The Salomague Port in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, the Philippines, is now ready to welcome bigger cruise ships with reinforced concrete (RC) Platform Back-Up Area and RC Pier Extension.
Government officials, led by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, will host the project inauguration ceremony today.
The upgrading of the seaport is set to boost tourism in the area.
Commenting the latest news, Ilocos Sur Representative Deogracias Victor Savellano said: “This is a dream come true for us in Ilocos Sur. This has not been in use for a long time but with its improvement, at least two cruise ships have landed here already last year. The third ship was supposed to arrive in March but we had a lockdown. But even if we were affected by the lockdown, we pursued this project because we need to prepare for the new normal.”
The representative also thanked the Duterte administration and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Arthur Tugade and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) led by General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago for working behind the expansion of the project.
To complement the improved seaport, the Vigan Airport is also being upgraded to boost tourism in the area.