PPA Orders Rehabilitation of Risk-Prone Ports to Enhance Resilience

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to bolster the resilience capacity of its ports by implementing measures such as raising ground levels and utilizing sturdier materials to withstand calamities. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago announced that the agency is undertaking a series of structural reforms on ports to protect them from damage caused by heavy rains and strong waves. Santiago emphasized the necessity for ports to be resilient against earthquakes and typhoons, as they are crucial for receiving cargo ships carrying essential supplies during emergencies. In line with this, the PPA is upgrading the deck and pavement capacities of ports to 750 pounds per square foot, or 3.6 tons per square meter. This represents an increase from the previous capacity of 500 pounds per square foot, though it remains below the highest capacity of 1,000 pounds per square foot. Select piers and wharfs will be elevated to 3.5 meters above mean lower low water (MLLW) from their current three meters to enhance their defense against coastal hazards. MLLW refers to the average height of the lowest tide. The PPA is also elevating breakwaters in ports that are most exposed to storm surges, such as those in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, and Nasugbu, Batangas. In the Bicol region, which is frequently in the path of typhoons, the PPA is employing reinforced concrete in the construction of piers and wharfs to ensure structural strength against powerful waves. Furthermore, deflector walls are being constructed in backup areas where waves could potentially overwhelm the ports, specifically in locations like Legazpi, Albay, and Virac, Catanduanes. Santiago also highlighted that the PPA’s engineering teams are now more attuned to the topographical conditions of each port. They are also strictly adhering to the provisions of the National Structural Code of the Philippines in their port designs, taking into account seismic risks and wind loads. Given that the Philippines has been ranked as the country most prone to disaster risk by the World Risk Index, Santiago underscored the critical need for public infrastructure like ports to be more resilient. "Our ports are not just places where travelers embark and disembark and cargoes are loaded and unloaded, because during disasters, they become even more critical since they facilitate passage of food, fuel, medical supplies and relief goods," Santiago stated. He added, "We continue to conduct drills, test different scenarios, strengthen coordination and improve our infrastructure so when a disaster comes, ports can continue serving as safe and reliable lifelines for the country."