Alabat port project seen to support safer maritime travel

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Officials discuss site inspection and compliance requirements for the Alabat Port Development Project during a meetin...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Officials discuss site inspection and compliance requirements for the Alabat Port Development Project during a meeting with CENRO Calauag. (Mayor Ays Avellano Canimo)

ALABAT, Quezon — Preparations are moving forward for the Alabat Port Development Project as the island works to improve sea access and port safety. Initial steps are now focused on completing environmental requirements before construction can begin.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Mayor Eizelle "AYS" M. Avellano-Canimo announced that a coordination meeting was held with CENRO Calauag to expedite the processing of the Certification of Non-Coverage (CNC) for the project. Improved port facilities will make sea travel safer and more reliable for residents and traders by improving docking conditions and port operations.



She noted that the LGU is completing the required documentation and site inspection as part of preparations for the project’s next stages. She added that these steps are necessary to ensure the project moves forward in line with established procedures.

The Department of Transportation is implementing the port project with a proposed ₱200-million budget for its development phases. The agency allocated ₱100 million for Phase 1 and another ₱100 million for Phase 2 to support construction and related development works.

Securing the CNC, the project moves from planning to formal regulatory review, where agencies closely examine compliance with environmental standards. This process allows authorities to assess the proposal early and flag potential concerns before construction begins.

As part of the evaluation, the LGU and CENRO agreed to conduct a site inspection to verify actual site conditions and project details. CENRO scheduled the inspection for the morning of February 3, 2026, as part of the project review process.

The LGU will also submit a Justification Report and a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution to show good faith and formal local support for the project. These documents will form part of the CNC application and support the review of project compliance.

Representatives from the Municipal Administrator’s Office, Task Force Alabat, the Municipal Assessor’s Office, the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) attended the meeting. The group discussed coordination points related to documentation and regulatory steps.

Alabat sits on Alabat Island in Quezon province, where residents rely mainly on sea transport to reach the mainland for work, trade, and essential services. The project is expected to improve maritime safety and efficiency as the island prepares for increased movement and economic activity.