SUAL–The Sual Port Development Project, touted to pave the way for the industrialization and the long-delayed economic development of Pangasinan, broke ground on Friday.

“As we lower the time capsule and set the landmark for this strategic project, we are hopeful that after 365 days, a new climate of growth will fan the steady march of Pangasinan towards a premier location for investment,” said Governor Amado Espino Jr.

The project, to be built in three phases, will be a commercial port that will service cargo and passenger vessels.

It will be funded through a cost-sharing basis among the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which will contribute P100 million each; the provincial government of Pangasinan, P200 million; and the Sual Municipal government, from P100 million to P500 million.

Espino said the project is expected to spur the rise of new industries and attract related ventures to locate to Pangasinan.

He added that so far there are already three groups of Korean investors who have expressed intent to invest in the port’s development, mining and agricultural sectors, manufacturing of electric cars and the construction of retirement villages.

Mineral resources from Pangasinan, such as sand and gravel, are currently exported to other countries through other ports of the country.

For his part, First District Rep. Arthur Celeste said the Sual Port could finally put Pangasinan, particularly Sual, in the development map of the Philippines and the world.

DOTC Undersecretary Doroteo Reyes III, who attended the ceremony, expressed hope that the entire project could be finished by 2012.

Meanwhile, Sual Mayor Rodney Arcinue expressed elation that the project will finally seal Sual’s position as an industrial city of Pangasinan.

Sual is also the site of the 1,200 megawatt Sual Coal-Fired Plant. — LM

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