The Bangsamoro government spent almost P90 million to improve transport services and connectivity at the Jolo Port and Jolo Airport and turned them over to their respective management offices on September 3.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) turned over several newly completed infrastructure projects.
The MOTC’s Bangsamoro Ports Management Authority (BPMA) turned over a two-storey passenger terminal building with a seating capacity of 250 passengers at the Jolo Port. It costs P63-million. The BPMA also handed to the management office an P18-million operational area perimeter fence with gates, and P3.96 million worth of solar streetlights.
The perimeter fence features eight gates, a cashier booth, and a parking area for motorcycles, while the solar streetlight system has 70 posts-23 with double lights and 47 with single lights.
The Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA), on the other hand, turned over a P3-million water facility with a capacity of 13,000 liters and a P0.99-million security fence measuring 300 meters in length at the Jolo Airport.
All the completed additional facilities were Funded under the Bangsamoro government’s Special Development Fund (SDF) 2023 and General Appropriations Act for the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2023 and 2024. These were part of efforts to upgrade the province’s key maritime and aviation facilities and strengthen the movement of passengers and goods.
MOTC Minister Termizie G. Masahud and Jolo Mayor Edsir Q. Tan witnessed the turnover ceremony.
‘These improvements are part of BPMA’s continuing efforts to upgrade port facilities and provide better, safer, and more efficient services to the people of Sulu,’ the BPMA shared.
‘With these improvements, Jolo Port continues to strengthen its role as an important gateway for passengers, goods, and communities in the area,’ the agency added.
The Jolo local government welcomed the developments and emphasized its support for initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and public services.
‘The municipal government of Jolo remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen connectivity, enhance public service delivery, and contribute to the continued progress and development of Jolo and the Province of Sulu,’ the municipality’s public information office stated.
The newly operational facilities are expected to benefit passengers, port and airport personnel, transport operators, traders, and communities by improving safety, security, accessibility in the province, it said.