Lucena port expansion headlines nearly P700M infrastructure push

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Lucena port takes P620 million lead in PPA's P700 million upgrade drive, with bids for both Quezon and Siquijor d...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Lucena port takes P620 million lead in PPA's P700 million upgrade drive, with bids for both Quezon and Siquijor due November 4. (Patrick Roque)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon —The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is committing to a major infrastructure boost, with the P620-million expansion of Lucena Port in Quezon headlining a nearly P700 million investment package intended to invigorate regional trade and connectivity. Funded through the PPA’s Corporate Budget, this substantial allocation is a critical part of the agency’s P16-billion infrastructure earmark through 2028, signaling a firm national focus on modernizing key maritime gateways.

The Lucena Port expansion, valued at P620 million, is a cornerstone project designed to address chronic vessel congestion—especially for roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic and passengers bound for Marinduque and Romblon. The expansion will involve extensive marine works, such as the driving of thousands of linear meters of concrete piles, installation of multiple 50-ton mooring bollards, and the construction of new operational areas.



This is expected to allow the port to handle bigger vessel calls, ensure faster commercial turnaround, and unlock the economic potential of Quezon province, cutting down on cargo waiting times and lowering logistics costs for businesses. The winning contractor for this project will be given 720 calendar days, or roughly 23 months, to complete the construction.

While Lucena takes the largest share, the PPA's current bidding invitation also includes the P58-million expansion of Lazi Port in Siquijor. This upgrade is essential for improving the connectivity and strengthening the maritime logistics for the island-province, which heavily relies on sea travel for commerce and tourism.

The contractor for the Lazi Port project will have 300 calendar days to finish the work, with construction expected to begin early next year after the bidding and award. Interested parties for both port expansions have until November 4 to submit their proposals, with the PPA mandating strict technical and financial compliance to ensure only qualified contractors are selected.

These new projects reinforce the PPA's aggressive infrastructure rollout, which is geared toward supporting the national goal of lowering logistics costs and improving the transport of goods and people across the archipelago. The agency is already on track to complete at least four other major port projects this year, collectively valued at P1.56 billion, demonstrating a commitment to improving port services nationwide.

These include the P426.18-million expansion of Salomague Port in Ilocos Sur and the P155.96-million expansion and improvement of San Andres Port, along with upgrades to Banago Port in Negros Occidental and Balingoan Port in Cagayan de Oro. The sustained PPA funding through 2028 will be allocated to enhance port efficiency and capacity across the archipelago, covering 14 big-ticket projects aimed at ensuring an interconnected and globally competitive national port system.