Ro-Ro bridges to interconnect nat’l highway system pushed

THE National Competitive Council (NCC) is pushing for the establishment of roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) bridges that will interconnect the national highway system in a bid to reduce transport cost in the country.

“We have studied this very well, the Ro-Ro system is doing a good job. But this time, we would like to ask that the Ro-Ro system be improved by having the highways actually connect the closest points from island to island,” said Meneleo Carlos, private sector co-champion of the NCC Infrastructure Working Group.

During the Arangkada Philippines Forum, Carlos said the country’s Ro-Ro system still runs from port to port.

He thus underscored the need to improve the current port system with the establishment of a “bridge system” connecting the islands.

“With the emphasis now towards inclusive growth, there is no way to do it except connecting the islands. When you say farm-to-market roads, you really mean bringing goods from the farms all the way to the market via these bridges,” he noted.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson said the country has been improving the transportation and logistics system in Mindanao that integrates seaports, Ro-Ro ports and the road network.

Singson said this aims to lower the cost of transport and logistics from Mindanao to Manila and to export markets.

Rolando Tungpalan, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) deputy director-general, earlier said the establishment of a seamless intermodal transport logistics network could enhance the country’s export competitiveness.

Tungpalan cited for example the creation of road Ro-Ro terminal system and chassis RoRo. The latter refers to cargo containers on chassis without truck.

He said such schemes are among the components of the proposed National Transport Policy (NTP).