PPA presses decision to close Jagna port

JAGNA –THREE resolutions and a personal appeal by Mayor Exuperio Lloren after, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) holds still and anchors its arguments on efficient-accident free environment at the Jagna port. Over the choices of generating more revenues for the town and yet expose the commuters and the riding public to risks, the PPA has anchored its decision on logic and practicality: Closing the port is far more cost efficient than allowing operations with civil works on. Summoned by the Sangguniang Bayan to respond to the legislators' inquiries and to clarify vague points on the decision to temporarily close port activity, PPA Division Manager Juan Arawiran said the decision came from higher office.

The PPA decision came with Jagna still confident that a win-win situation could be pegged. Earlier Jagna wanted to still open up the port for regular service despite continuing rehabilitation work undergone by PPA or its designated contractor. This way, Jagnaanons who have used the port operations as source of livelihood would not be affected. To press for their position, the Sangguniang Bayan passed three resolutions to PPA to effect the locals wish. However, even before the SB got any word from the PPA, a notice of closure was sent to the ports users.

To clarify on some points, PPA Division Manager (DM) Juan Arawiran upon invitation of the SB appeared during the municipal council's regular session to clear matters on the port rehabilitation. The SB also wanted to know what happened to the communications they sent to PPA through General Manager Oscar Sevilla. DM Arawiran then reiterated PPA's policy and pressed on to say that the motion to temporarily use parts of the port even with the construction going on is risky and costs more. Furthermore, Arawiran argued that operation can not go with the ports construction at full blast especially like Jagna where port area is limited. As to the construction firm's stand, the contractor accordingly has the prerogative to effect maximum protection of lives and properties of those who use the port in the course of the works.

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