Being an archipelago, the maritime industry in Philippines is a vital component in achieving socio-economic progress. In fact, shipping remains the major means by which islands are linked and through which movement of goods and people is achieved. There is no known island that cannot be reached by ship or small boat. The significant role of shipping is even more emphasized if one is to consider the government’s objective of achieving national unity by bridging cultural values and social norms.
Port Infrastructure in Philippines
In terms of port infrastructure, the importance of the ports to each link depends on the type of cargoes being moved. Cebu and Manila for example serve as one of the main hub in the movement of people between Luzon and the Visayas region. Davao is a major port in Mindanao in terms of transport of cargoes from that region to Luzon. In most areas though, there is a balance in the transport of cargoes and people, which explains the significant number of passenger – cargo ships in the domestic fleet.
The Port of Iloilo, Iloilo, Philippines, is the port serving the general area of Iloilo and the premier port on Panay Island. The new port of Iloilo is strategically located at a new site away from the older port facilities. Situated in the Southern coast of Panay Island, in the Panay Gulf, it has one of the country’s safest and most natural harbors. Guimaras Island guards the port from violent storms and makes it ideal for harboring ships and vessels.
The Port of Manila is the largest seaport of the Philippines and was located in the vicinity of Manila Bay, one of the finest natural harbors in the world. The Port of Manila is the premier international shipping gateway to the Philippines.
The Port of Subic, Subic, Zambales, Philippines, is located in the vicinity of Subic Bay, One of the Philippines finest harbors and most strategically based. The Port of Subic is one of the busiest, largest, historical and most important of Ports in the Philippines Islands.
The Port of Zamboanga, Zamboanga, Philippines, is located on the island of Mindanao, in one of the fastest growing zones in Mindanao, Zamboanga. The Port of Zamboanga consists of a number of ports, all contained by the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (Zamboecozone), otherwise known by its corporate name as the Zamboanga Freeport Authority.
