The opening of the C3-R10 section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 in Navotas City is expected to ensure better movement of commercial vehicles and goods in the area. The 2.6-kilometer link will serve as a direct route from NLEX to the Port of Manila (and vice versa) for faster delivery of goods.
“We very much welcome the opening of this section of the NLEX Harbor Link, as this will definitely boost productivity and spur trade and commerce. It would cut travel time from Quezon City to the Port of Manila from two hours to 10 to 15 minutes. Likewise, it would also provide ease of travel for Manila port freight carriers and other commercial vehicles,” says Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, noting that the infrastructure will be critical in speeding up recovery from the pandemic.
This project by the Department of Public Works and Highways, together with their private sector partners, is the first infrastructure project to open during general community quarantine. More efficient delivery of goods as well as increased economic activity in Metro Manila and Central Luzon are expected as NLEX is brought closer to the country’s central shipping gateway. Cargo trucks can also gain 24/7 road network access as there are no truck bans imposed along NLEX.
“Effective logistics development is the key in facilitating trade and connectivity. It lowers cost and clearance time of imports and exports, while also ensuring the smooth flow of commodities,” says Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.
“Effective logistics development is the key in facilitating trade and connectivity. It lowers cost and clearance time of imports and exports, while also ensuring the smooth flow of commodities. Having stable and reliable logistics would encourage market expansion and improve investors’ confidence in our country’s ability to transport goods and services. With this new project that improves overall accessibility and reduces transportation costs including travel time, the impact on economic productivity is immense,” says Lopez.
The Philippine Ports Authority reported that in the first quarter of 2020, almost 15 million metric tons of foreign cargo and close to 800,000 20-foot equivalent units of container traffic both in imports and exports have passed between the Port of Manila to North Luzon.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it completed 14 of its port projects as of June and is set to finish the other 22 it has laid out for the year despite a global health crisis. These projects, according to the department, will “bolster the operational capability of the current ports, specifically in inter-island travel and movement of essential goods across regions.”
The newly installed ports by the DOTr include Port of Borac and Port of San Fernando in Palawan as well as Port of Malalag in Davao del Sur. These are the rest of the completed expansion projects: Port of Cawit (Marinduque), Port of Estancia (Iloilo City), Port of Iligan (Iligan City), Port of Jagna (Bohol), Port of Tagbilaran (Bohol), Port of Mansalay (Oriental Mindoro), Port of Ozamiz (Misamis Occidental), Port of Currimao (Ilocos Sur), Port of Masao (Agusan del Norte) and two for Iloilo Commercial Port Complex.