Y AND DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE IN PORTS FOR EVERY FILIPINO

markings relative to physical distancing and the establishment of COVID-19 Testing Facilities in select ports.

PPA is also partnering with other government agencies like the Department of Health in its ANTI-COVID-19 advocacies by utilizing all available port platforms to help bring the information to the public.

PPA is also eliminating face-to-face transactions by introducing several online platforms like the unified passenger ticketing system, automated payment scheme and automated cargo payment regime to comply with the ‘new normal’ procedures.

The agency is also set to complete 22 more port projects this year to further improve operational efficiency of PPA ports. The projects include the Pier 18 rehabilitation and upgrade in Vitas, Tondo, Manila; the construction of a port operations building in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro; the Balanacan Port expansion project in Marinduque; the construction of the RC Pier and Ro-ro ramp at the Port of Bansud, Oriental Mindoro; the construction of a back-up area at the Port of Bulalacao also in Oriental Mindoro; the construction of a Ro-ro ramp and expansion project at the Port of Bulan, Sorsogon; and the construction of the Coastal Access Road project at the Port of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

Also expected to be finished by the end of the year are the expansion of the Port of Capinpin, Bataan; the reconstruction of the Carmen Port in San Agustin, Romblon; the Cobo Port construction project in Cobo, Catanduanes; and the construction of port operations buildings at the ports of Coron, Currimao,

Masbate, Mauban, Quezon, and Talaga in Mabini, Batangas.

The port rehabilitation and upgrading of RC wharf at the Port of Legazpi; the port expansion projects in Matnog, Puerto Princesa, Salomague, Ilocos Sur, Tablas, Romblon, and TMO Pasig; and the rehabilitation of the Port of Tabaco, Albay are also targeted for completion by the end of 2020.

More importantly, PPA is taking care of its major asset. Its people. Roundthe-clock supply of COVID-19 protective equipment and other essentials are being provided to all its ports in order to protect its employees, particularly its frontline personnel against possible infection. Alternative work platforms are likewise adopted to further reduce the risk. Campaign materials are posted in strategic places to remind its employees on the ‘new normal’ procedures.

“We cannot do all of these if we do not take care of our people. The employees are the foundation of the success of our agency most especially during this pandemic. PPA is blessed with having a hardworking workforce giving unparalleled public service during this pandemic. Showing what ‘Bayanihan sa Pantalan’ is all about. As their General Manager, I salute each and every one of them. As we continue to march on forward in this fight during our 46th Founding Anniversary, we will show what PPA is all about: Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Pagbangon,” Santiago said.

“The PPA remains committed to provide the best service we can as we consider ourselves as soldiers in this battle,” Santiago added.