DOTr: Initial quake damage to port infrastructure reaches PHP150 million

Port infrastructure damage in quake-affected areas in Mindanao has reached PHP150 million, according to initial estimate by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the initial estimate is still subject to the result of the structural integrity assessment currently conducted at the affected ports.

Secretary Lopez and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago led an inspection on Tuesday, June 9, a day after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, with General Santos City identified as the epicenter.

Government officials are still evaluating the full extent of the damage, but initial reports and photographs indicate substantial impacts on several port facilities.

Based on the initial assessment of the Port Management Office (PMO)-SOCCSKSARGEN, large cracks were found in the wharf area of the Port of General Santos. Similar damage was observed at the Port Operations Building, Passenger Terminal Building, Main Gate Complex, and North Gate Complex. Liquefaction was also reported in the container yard area.

Cracks were likewise detected at the Port of San Roque and the Port of Glan.

Among the affected facilities, the Port of General Santos City sustained some of the most serious infrastructure damage, including deeper cracks along the causeway area and concrete pavement. The passenger terminal building also sustained damage in the maneuvering area of the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) facility.

To prevent disruptions in operations, port transactions will temporarily continue at the Port Integrated Clearance Office (PICO) covered court.

Meanwhile, the Port Management Office of Davao reported minor cracks in the reinforced concrete backup area and perimeter fence of the Port of Malalag.

Following the inspections, both DOTR and PPA officials ordered the immediate rehabilitation of damaged facilities, subject to the results of structural integrity assessments on the affected infrastructure.