PPA and Contractor assure opening and operation of an international cruise ship port soon in Bohol.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the project contractor firmly assure opening and operation of the ambitious international cruise ship port in Catagbacan, Loon by mid-2010. PPA-Tagbilaran Manager Manny Boholano and WTG Construction and Development Corporation Operations Manager Wilhelm Go said a port, modern and one of its kind outside Metro Manila, will be “usable” in time for the huge global luxury liners to dock. The assurance was made in the presence of Loon Mayor Peter Lloyd Lopez, Congressman Edgar M. Chatto of the first district of the province at the port when on a project status assessment and projection on necessary additional facilities once the port will be operational. According to Cong Chatto, the said project needs an appropriate initiative from the officials of the town to “prepare” the locals, including the nearby Cabilao island settlers, for eco-tourism and related economic activities that will demand their passion, talent and participation as a consequence of the dramatic port development. Cabilao, offers dive sites at par with the world’s best, a possible direct island link of choice by tourists unloading from luxury ships at Catagbacan port. Chatto saw the on-going works for a first-hand evaluation of the project execution wherein which New York-based Philippine tourism attaché Emma Ruth Yulo Kitiyakara and the Global Cruise Industry key players would wish to be updated on the project..