PINANGUNAHAN ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang grand launching ng Pier 88 sa munisipalidad sa lalawigan ng VIsayas, nag-alok ng mas mabilis na transport alternative para sa mga mananakay at cargo sa Cebu.
“It’s encouraging to see that a massive undertaking such as this, where the local government takes the lead and collaborates with the private sector and other local governments, in the pursuit of objectives consonant with the national development agenda,” ang pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos sa kanyang naging talumpati.
“With the many benefits to the public interest, these projects showcase kindred examples of good urban planning. Let us imagine if these kinds of projects are replicated across the country, laterally and locally coordinated, and harmonized both on the provincial and national levels—then we could say that we are genuinely closer to our ambition of a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society,” dagdag na wika ng Pangulo.
Ang Pier 88 ay isang mahigit na P1 billion public-private partnership project sa pagitan ng munisipalidad ng Liloan at mga pribadong kompanya na Pier 88 Ventures Inc., Topline Group of Companies, Viking Land, at FL Port Management Corp.
“As a smart port, it will integrate digital technology into its operations by using QR codes and a radio frequency identification-ready (RFID) system to be integrated with a mobile application, providing passengers with seamless and convenient traveling,” ayon sa ulat.
Matatagpuan sa Barangay Poblacion, inaasahan na ang Pier 88 ay magsisilbi sa mga byahero na papunta at paalis ng Cebu mainland via bayan ng Liloan town tungo sa Metro Cebu, Camotes group of islands, at Bohol at Leyte provinces.
“The close-to-three-hectare smart port will help decongest traffic in Metro Cebu, particularly Consolacion and Mandaue City, by providing an alternative mode of transport from Liloan to Mactan and Cebu City and vice versa,” ayon pa rin sa ulat.
Ang paglulunsad sa Port 88 ay nataon naman sa 178 taong anibersaryo ng Liloan, at muling paglulunsad ng Rosquillos Festival na ipinangalan sa native delicacy kung saan nakikila ang nasabing bayan ng ilang dekada na. Kris Jose
