By Lily O Ramos
MANILA, (PNA)– Business tycoon/sportsman Dr Michael L Romero, owner of the PBA’s Global Port team and chairman of the Manila North Harbour Port, Inc (MNHPI) led the launching ceremony of the new Manila North Port Passenger Terminal Complex on Wednesday at Pier 4 of Tondo’s Manila North Harbor.
Romero in his speech said that Manila North Harbor’s notoriety and infamousness as hub of criminality since the American regime has finally ended with a new, most modern and efficiently run world-class Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) comparable or even better than any other terminal abroad.
The state of the art complex provides most modern facilities, taking into consideration the safety, security, comfort and needs of passengers aside from constantly updated cargo handling equipment and IT facilities.
”I can safely say that this PTB built on a 56 hectare North Port Facility is the most modern and the best terminals in the whole of Southeast Asia is a true source of pride for the Philippines.
“In this cutting-edge PTB, the wheels of progress will now redefine the image of Tondo and the landscape of the city of Manila and propel the country into a tourism hub we all have been dreaming of,” Romero said to a big crowd in attendance.
He added that in Manila North Harbour Port Inc.’s commitment to the government as its partner, particularly the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), a total investment of P4 billion was infused into MNH as promised in 2010 by his group led by San Miguel/Petron chieftain Ramon Ang.
”Another P5 billion has already been contracted out for the various port development projects, and we are right on schedule, if not even ahead of it.”
Romero also said that our country will finally have the infrastructure to receive two to three million passengers a year who wish to travel and explore the Philippine archipelago by riding in our finest vessels and shipping liners without fear of being mugged or robbed.
Richard D. Barclay, chief executive officer of the MNHPI hastened to add that the firm has tapped the services of Catena Security Inc, a security service provider affiliated with G4S-United Kingdom with operations in over 125 countries.
”On any given day, around 2,500 passengers a day pass our portals with comfort and satisfaction and in awe of the various facilities, amenities, equipment and related services to benefit passengers and all port stakeholders,” said Barclay.
Romero said that the PTB in Tondo is not MNHPI’s only project in mind. “We plan to build some more ports in our country and possibly abroad if our services will be asked Filipinos have the talent, skill, patience and determination to make it on international scale.”