COTABATO CITY  – A record-high of P5.5 million in total revenue collection for the first half of the year was reported by the Regional Ports and Management Authority of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RPMA-ARMM).

“There is a notable 12 % increase over last year’s P4.9 million revenues from port operations in the first six months of 2015,” said General Manager Hanie Bud of the RPMA-ARMM.

The region’s total port revenue collection last year was tracked at P12 million, the highest since 2010. Revenue remittances of RPMA-ARMM started to increase significantly in 2013.

“Based on the present trend of collections, we are confident that we will exceed the P12 million target for this year,” he said.

Despite a budget of only P120,000 monthly operating and other expenses, the Port Management Office of Jolo, the region’s primary port, implemented three port improvement projects last year.

This includes, steel fencing of the right wing of the port (P44,308), renovation of collection booth number 2 at Serantes Street (P6,174), and repair of the administrative building gate (P5,241).

PMO Jolo also procured chairs, ceiling fans, furniture and equipment, supplies and uniforms, and spent for utilities that cost P66,930.

“The port’s physical improvements are aimed at improving better port services and security,” said Ibnohasim Undug, port manager of PMO Jolo.

RPMA-ARMM operates the base ports in Jolo, Sulu; Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; and Lamitan City, Basilan, as well as the sub-ports in Siasi in Sulu, Maluso in Basilan, and Mapun, Sitangkai and Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi. It also exercises regulatory powers in six private ports/wharves in the region. (Bureau of Public Information)

20