GenSan port resumes limited ops after post-quake inspections

MANILA – Limited passenger and cargo operations have resumed at the Makar Port in General Santos City after the completion of initial structural inspections, more than a week after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit southeastern Mindanao on June 8.

In a statement on Thursday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the resumption of limited operations is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to provide uninterrupted service to people affected by the earthquake.

READ: GenSan Airport reopens for disaster response flights

“Talagang binibilisan natin ang pagsasaayos ng pantalan kasi hindi puwedeng magtagal na hindi mag-operate ito dahil mahalaga ito sa mga residente ng GenSan lalo na’t malaking bahagi ng ekonomiya ang umaasa dito (We’re really rushing the port’s repair because it can’t stop operating for long due to its importance to the residents of GenSan and for its big role in the economy),” Lopez said.

On Wednesday, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago said in a separate statement that in their initial investigation, engineers found that the port’s rail-mounted gantry (RMG) wharf is structurally sound and may safely accommodate regular vessel traffic and cargo.

“Nakita natin sa assessment na apektado yung operations ng port pero kaya naman ito kahit limited lang (We have seen in the assessment that port operations are affected but we can keep operating at a limited capacity),” Santiago said.

He noted that the GenSan port’s phased reopening would allow for the restoration of critical supply chains and economic activity while ensuring high safety standards for public safety.

Santiago advised shipping lines, cargo owners, truckers, and other port stakeholders to coordinate with the Port Management Office of Soccskargen for the updated operational schedules, designated access routes, and any temporary restrictions.

Aside from the RMG wharf, he said other designated safe areas will be operational, subject to operational controls and safety protocols.

READ: DOTr reroutes GenSan-bound ships to Davao del Sur after earthquake

“Several facilities will remain restricted pending repair and further evaluation. The damaged portions of the new wharf expansion will have controlled access, while the eastern wharf and western wharf shall remain closed to operations,” Santiago said.

Other damaged infrastructure includes the Makar wharf’s north gate weigh bridge, which sustained severe structural damage and will remain out of service.

“Appropriate traffic management and alternative access arrangements are being implemented to ensure the continued movement of cargo while maintaining safety within port premises,” Santiago said.

Port authority officials continue to monitor the structural condition of all facilities in the Port of GenSan and will undertake necessary repair and rehabilitation works.

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