Trade and tourism in the Ilocos Region will get a boost with the development and improvement of the San Fernando International Seaport in Poro Point, La Union.
Poro Point Management Corp. president and chief executive officer Servillano Flores Jr. said there is an ongoing feasibility project for the Poro Point international seaport, targeted to be implemented by mid-2027.
“We are glad that we are now getting this attention. Poro Point was used to be referred as the sleeping dragon because of its potential. Its advantage is, it is one day away from China. Subic port is four days away, and Manila port is seven days away,” he said in a phone interview on Wednesday.
He said Poro Point is full of potential and appeal because of its strategic route, compared to the other ports.
“The route of the other ports avoids various obstacles, hence, takes longer days, unlike here in Poro Point. With this, trade and commerce will be good,” he added.
Once operational, the upgraded seaport is seen to become a strategic economic gateway that will support regional industries.
San Fernando City tourism operations assistant Bella Reyna Corazon Gambueda, in a separate interview, said there are cruise ships that signify intent to dock in the city via Poro Point.
She said the project, once done, would boost tourism and trade in the city and in other parts of La Union.
“Our target is 2027. But it still depends on the preparation of our ports. We are doing our best to make it faster. And to accommodate more tourists from, of course, not just here in the Philippines but, of course, from other countries,” she said.
With this development, Gambueda said the local government is preparing by training community guides.
The local government is also encouraging and helping establishments to get accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“We are preparing them to be DOT-accredited to standardize all services here in the city. We are ready, it’s just a matter of pooling and gathering our resources. We have resources here in the city,” she said.
Gambueda said initial data on day tourists in the city in 2025 is at 152,000. (PNA)
