Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers, led by President Edward Du, participated in an emergency year-end meeting with Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officials, including PPA Dumaguete Manager Rey Delmoro and PCBSI Dumaguete Arrastre Manager Joseph Soguilon, along with Dumaguete shipping vessel owners.
The meeting focused on discussing and seeking approval for NOCCI’s proposed Port Area Port Services (PAPS) for PPA and PCBSI, with the aim of improving port operations and efficiency in the Negros Island Region. NOCCI is optimistic about the prompt approval and implementation of these proposals, which are expected to take effect starting in 2025.
NOCCI Advocates for Port Services Upgrade in Emergency Meeting with PPA
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, participated in a high-level emergency year-end meeting with key stakeholders from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), PCBSI Dumaguete, and Dumaguete shipping vessel owners. The meeting, held in Dumaguete City, focused on NOCCI’s proposed Port Area Port Services (PAPS), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing port efficiency and operations within the Negros Island Region.
Among those present were PPA Dumaguete Manager Rey Delmoro and PCBSI Dumaguete Arrastre Manager Joseph Soguilon, who engaged in discussions with NOCCI officers and local shipping industry representatives to explore potential improvements in the Dumaguete port system.
Enhancing Port Services for Economic Growth
The Port Area Port Services (PAPS) proposal is a major initiative by NOCCI to streamline port operations, enhance logistics efficiency, and facilitate smoother trade and passenger movement in the region. The proposal is designed to address port congestion, cargo handling delays, and inefficiencies in shipping services, all of which have been longstanding concerns among local shipping operators and business owners.
Edward Du, NOCCI President, emphasized the importance of improving port operations, stating:
“Efficient port services are crucial for sustaining economic growth in Negros Oriental. Our proposal aims to optimize operations at the Dumaguete Port to attract more investments and enhance overall trade efficiency.”
With the expected rise in maritime trade and passenger travel in 2025, NOCCI is pushing for the prompt approval and implementation of PAPS to ensure the port’s readiness for increased demand.
Key Features of the PAPS Proposal
The proposed Port Area Port Services (PAPS) include several critical enhancements, such as:
- Upgraded Cargo Handling Systems – Enhancing the efficiency of cargo loading and unloading operations to reduce turnaround time for vessels.
- Improved Passenger Management – Streamlining processes for ticketing, boarding, and baggage handling to ensure seamless travel experiences.
- Infrastructure Enhancements – Developing new facilities, including better docking areas, expanded port storage, and modernized transport terminals.
- Advanced Digital Systems – Implementing digital platforms for real-time tracking of cargo, shipping schedules, and passenger movement to improve overall port management transparency.
- Stronger Security Measures – Strengthening security protocols to safeguard goods, passengers, and port facilities against potential threats.
These improvements align with the broader vision of enhancing Negros Oriental’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Support
During the meeting, PPA Dumaguete Manager Rey Delmoro and PCBSI Dumaguete Arrastre Manager Joseph Soguilon acknowledged the challenges faced by the port and expressed openness to NOCCI’s proposed solutions.
Shipping vessel owners, who rely on efficient port services for their daily operations, were also highly receptive to the proposal. They voiced concerns about rising operational costs, delayed vessel turnarounds, and the need for smoother regulatory processes, all of which PAPS aims to address.
One of the key discussion points was the need for collaborative efforts between NOCCI, PPA, PCBSI, and shipping companies to ensure that PAPS aligns with existing port policies while integrating modern innovations for long-term sustainability.
“The success of this initiative depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders. We need to work together to ensure that our ports remain competitive and efficient,” said NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni.
Potential Impact on the Negros Island Region
The approval and implementation of PAPS could have significant positive implications for Negros Oriental’s business landscape, tourism sector, and trade industry. Key benefits include:
Boosting Trade and Investment – Faster and more efficient port operations will attract more investors and businesses to the province.
Enhancing Tourism Growth – Improved passenger services will encourage more domestic and international travelers to visit Negros Oriental.
Creating More Jobs – The expansion of port operations will generate employment opportunities for local communities.
Strengthening Regional Competitiveness – Modernized ports will position Negros Oriental as a key player in the Visayas’ maritime trade network.
If approved, NOCCI anticipates the phased implementation of PAPS to begin in early 2025, with full operational upgrades expected by the end of the year.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for PAPS?
Following the emergency meeting, NOCCI is set to finalize the PAPS proposal and submit it for approval to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Central Office. NOCCI is also working closely with local government units (LGUs), shipping operators, and private stakeholders to further refine the plan and ensure its feasibility.
The chamber remains optimistic about the proposal’s approval and will continue to engage with PPA officials, port authorities, and government agencies to push for its swift implementation.
“The modernization of our ports is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. We look forward to the approval and rollout of these much-needed reforms,” said NOCCI President Edward Du.
The emergency year-end meeting between NOCCI, PPA, PCBSI, and local shipping vessel owners marks a significant step forward in the improvement of port services in Dumaguete. NOCCI’s Port Area Port Services (PAPS) proposal presents a game-changing opportunity to boost economic growth, trade efficiency, and tourism in Negros Oriental.
With strong stakeholder collaboration and a shared vision for progress, the proposed enhancements could position Dumaguete Port as one of the most modernized and efficient ports in the Visayas by 2025.
