EXCLUSIVE: Rail, port projects to transform Lucena into transport hub

by Sentinel Times Research Staff September 27, 2021 (L-R) Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala, Jay Daniel R. Santiago, General Manager, PPA; D...

by Sentinel Times Research Staff
September 27, 2021

(L-R) Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala, Jay Daniel R. Santiago, General Manager, PPA; DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade; Quezon Province Governor Danilo Suarez; Fracisquiel O. Mancile; Port Manager; PMO MarQuez. (Photo by Sentinel Times/Lyndon Gonzales)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Expansion of the the 5,000-square meter city port with an additional pier to handle heavier roll on-roll off traffic, cargo and fish transport is envisioned to unlock the economic potential of Quezon province, stressed Transportation Secretary Art Tugade as he led rites inaugurating Port of Lucena's newly completed Port Operations Building (POB) and the new Pier 3.

Also in the pipeline is the P175.32-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul project, a 639-kilometer line to connect Metro Manila to the Southern Luzon provinces, shortening travel time from 12 hours to only 6 hours.

The South Long Haul railway can handle 100,000 commuters; project status is at establishing control points.



After the port opening, Secretary Tugade and his team proceede to inspect the Lucena station of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long-Haul Project or the PNR Bicol. The Lucena segment is one of the 35 stations of the PNR Bicol.

In years past, the Port of Lucena handled about 6,000 ship calls per year, or about 50% of the consolidated ship calls annually recorded at 12,500 ship-calls.



“The completed port projects can throw open the doors to Quezon province's advance, and to Lucena City's progress," Tugade enthused.

Aside from the 2-story, 1,537-square meter POB and the additional pier, the completed port projects also include a pumphouse, and a concrete pavement, including the installation of a 6-meter-high steel tapered lamp post with solar lamp fixtures.



Too, the POB and Pier 3 at the Port of Lucena were constructed for efficiency and productivity as well as to address the congestion at the port going to Marinduque and Romblon and back. During the construction of the POB and Pier 3, about 50 jobs were also created.

Given the port's brisk passenger traffic and rolling cargoes bound for the provinces of Marinduque and Romblon, the new pier facility will decongest the port as it will open up additional space for vessels and ensure the efficient and faster turnaround of commercial vessels.

The port’s twin developments will also yield lower logistics costs and shipping fees.

Annual average in the port's ro-ro traffic is pegged at 131,000 rolling cargoes.

Bigger developments in offing

Tugade announced bigger developments for the port with the Southern Nautical Highway that would soon be a reality with the project’s construction works beginning in the next two weeks.

“That Southern Nautical Highway will soon be a reality. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago has set aside funds for that. In fact, if the funding is there, and the plans are there, work will begin in the coming weeks. It will be made real, and we will strive to make it real, the Southern Nautical Highway,” said Tugade.

He noted that funds for the port’s expansion have been allocated already, while the Notice to Proceed has also been released.

“Mag-uumpisa na ‘ho ‘yung konstruksyon sa expansion sa pier, sa darating na dalawang linggo,” he added.

Tugade also congratulated Santiago for another successful feat by completing the Port of Lucena’s development projects.

“Taos-puso ang pasasalamat ko kay GM Jay Santiago at sa buong lupon ng PPA. Sinasambit ko ang aking matinding pasasalamat. Ang nakita ko ‘ho ngayon ay ibang-iba sa nakita ko noon. Ngayon ho, meron na pong pasilidad, merong opisina ang PMO, at maayos ang pagkagawa. To you, Jay Santiago, congratulations for a good performance in constructing the PMO,” Tugade said.

Previously, the PPA didn't hold office in the Port of Lucena and was just renting a commercial building in Lucena City, which was under the Port Management Office (PMO) Marinduque/Quezon. With the construction of the POB and Pier 3 at the Port of Lucena, travelers can now enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel by sea as well as improved port services.

Neighbor provinces to benefit

On the other hand, Quezon Province Governor Danilo Suarez pointed out that Quezon’s neighbor provinces of Marinduque, Romblon and Masbate will also benefit from the improvement and expansion of the Lucena Port as it will trigger the development and economic progress of each provinces, while ensuring better food transport for CALABARZON and Metro Manila.

“Hindi lamang po kami ang makikinabang kundi ang Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, at iba pa pong mga karatig lalawigan namin will be benefitting dito po sa port na ito. As I’ve said, this will be a catalyst for employment, better trade and commerce between our co-provinces, and at the same time, the most important is that it will reduce handling and transportation costs for vital food and food security, lalo na ngayong may pandemic,” Suarez said.

The Port of Lucena is a major fishing and commercial port located on the Bay of Tayabas. It is known as the “melting pot” of South Luzon and plays a major role in revenue for the locals.

The port is operated under the PPA and is located in Barangay Talao-Talao. Built as a natural-cum-artificial harbour, it covers roughly 5,000 square meters with most of the area set aside for commercial activities.

Dalahacian Fishing Port is a short distance from Port of Lucena and is another major fishing hub in Luzon. Both are within navigating distance to the ports of Manila and Batangas. Most times, Lucena takes in the overflow of vessels from these larger ports.

While Dalahacian predominantly handles fish exports and local retail, Lucena doubles up as a cargo and fishing port. Both ports stand cheek by jowl, yet, lacks a burgeoning transport system to ease connectivity with major metro cities.

The port also has numerous ferries used by the locals to reach the neighbouring islands-- Lucena is home port to ferry service operators Blue Water Jet, Phil Nippon Kyoei, and Montenegro Shipping Lines.