Expansion of Jolo Seaport project of the ARMM government kicks off

Jolo, Sulu. - For more than 600 years, the port of Jolo played a very historic and significant role in bringing early trade relations within Southeast Asia.

It has connected the people of Southern Philippines through the Maritime Silk Road towards various pivotal trade areas in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and even as far as India and the Middle East.

To bring back its old glory and pivotal navigational role in maritime trade and relations, the ARMM government through the development agenda of Governor Mujiv Hataman underscores the Expansion of Jolo Port to cater greater investments and access to basic services.

Governor Hataman emphasizes, "Adhikain ng regional government na mapaunlad ang kabuhayan at ekonomiya ng buong Sulu sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawak ng Port of Jolo.Kaya naman mahalaga ang pagbuhos ng infrastructure projects dito sa Sulu para maibsan ang kahirapan at makatulonh sa pagsugpo sa problema ng terrorismo."

The regional governor even foresees the realization of the projects would attract more investors and provide additional livelihood opportunities for the province.

RG Hataman even furthered, "Ang mga proyekto dito sa ARMM ay dumadaan sa masusing needs assessment sa tulong ng LGUs at mga residente. Sa kabuoan, mahigit P10 bilyon na ang ating investment kasama na dito ang Expansion ng Jolo Port.

The Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Abdussakur Totoh Tan II expressed their heartfelt support towards the project.

Governor Totoh expressed, "Taos puso ang pasasalamat ng probinsya ng Sulu sa pagbibigay ng napakalaking tulong na ito."

He even made mentioned about its strategic importance as the port also is a vital tourist and local attraction due to its boulevard segment.

A dream come true. This has been the long wish of the residents of Jolo as expressed by Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan due to the project. According to Mayor Tan, the boulevard and the expanded port will usher a new pace for Jolo in terms of development.

The 7000 square meters total area of the Expanded Jolo Port will provide enough space for larger cargo vessels and passersby.

DPWH ARMM Regional Secretary Don Mustapha Loong cites the very important role of the Jolo Port in terms of trade and economic development. According to Secretary Loong, the Expanded Port shall commence with P100 million worth set for 2017 that targets the center area of the current port. 

The left and right areas apportioned with P200 million and the boulevard construction with P200 million are all set to start by 2018.