MANILA - The Philippine Ports Authority is strengthening the implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, project that aims to link the country's islands and reduce the cost of inter-island transportation.

The Philippine News Agency said in a report yesterday efforts

Include the continuous improvement of port facilities, particularly the construction of roll-on/roll-off ramps, passenger terminal buildings and queuing/parking areas.

Oscar Sevilla, PPA general manager, said that at least 70 ports all over the country are already fitted with RO-RO ramps.

Forty percent of these are in the Visayas; 34 percent in Luzon; and 26 percent, in Mindanao.

A majority of the 52 ports of PPA, with passenger terminal buildings are located in the Visayas.

But the figures still do not include the four ports with RO-RO ramps in Caticlan, Calatagan, Lazi in Siquijor and Roxas and the three ports with passenger terminal buildings in Cawit, Roxas and Tilik in Mindoro.

Sevilla said these improvements pave the way for easier access to local and international markets as ports become catalysts in promoting regional development.

The SRNH is composed of three major sub-systems, namely, the Eastern Nautical Highway, the Central Nautical Highway and the Western Nautical Highway, has 22 ports that serve as inter-island links for this sea-based artery of the entire country.*

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