The local government unit of Currimao is elated to see more developments in its seaport, about 28 kilometers from this city with a looming infrastructure project to improve transport services in the area.

Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba said the proposed improvement of the access road leading to the international seaport of Currimao has already obtained the approval of the national government.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways proposal has already been submitted to the DOTr (Department of Transportation) yesterday for their perusal,” he said in an interview over the weekend after he met with officials of DOTr in Metro Manila.

Barba said the proposed project is in support of the national government’s long-term transport-infrastructure projects across the country.

The amount for the proposed project to be included in next year’s budget has yet to be disclosed.

In pre-Covid times, the Currimao seaport in this northern gateway of Luzon has become more popular as a new port of call in the country for the cruise industry.

Despite travel restrictions brought about by the global pandemic, the DOTr said it will continue to support these projects that would “bolster the operational capability of the current ports, specifically in inter-island travel and movement of essential goods across regions.”

Like other key areas in Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Metro Manila, and Puerto Princesa, the port of Currimao expansion project was already completed last year to welcome more cruise liners in this part of Luzon island.

Aside from the Currimao seaport, the improvement and extension of the runway at the Laoag International Airport is also underway to address transport challenges in the country. (PNA)