More than rebuilding damaged facilities, authorities are now weighing whether some earthquake-hit ports in northern Cebu can still safely operate in their current locations, as scientific studies continue to assess long-term risks.
The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) said ongoing engineering and geohazard assessments will determine the future of several ports damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake last year, including Hagnaya Port in San Remigio, Kawit Port in Medellin, and Pulambato Port in Bogo City.
CPA General Manager Francisco Comendador III told the Cebu Provincial Board that the agency is awaiting the results of the studies before moving forward with major reconstruction plans.
He said funding preparations are underway, but emphasized that the primary concern is not budget allocation but the safety and stability of the ground where the ports stand.
“What concerns us most is if the study will prohibit the continuing use of the area,” Comendador said.
He added that one possible outcome of the assessment is a recommendation against rebuilding in areas where geological conditions continue to pose risks.
Comendador noted that continued ground movement in some locations may make them unsuitable for long-term port operations, raising the possibility of relocation.
He said the CPA is already preparing contingency planning, including identifying possible alternative sites should existing port locations be deemed unsafe.
The engineering and geohazard studies are being conducted by POEIL Engineering and Management Services, which was commissioned by the CPA following the earthquake.
CPA engineer Fernan Norven Abangan said the consultancy contract began on April 30 and is set for completion on Nov. 25, 2026.
He said the agency adopted a “scientific approach” in addressing the damaged infrastructure to guide rehabilitation and future planning.
Preliminary data gathering has been completed, while fieldwork—including topographic surveys, geological mapping, geotechnical investigations, and hazard assessments—is ongoing in affected areas.
Hagnaya Port is among the most closely monitored sites due to documented ground subsidence and seawater intrusion during high tide, although it remains operational under limited conditions.
Pulambato Port is also under observation due to its proximity to the Bogo Fault, with borehole investigations expected to determine whether reconstruction is still feasible.
“After borehole activities didto pa mahibaw-an kung unsa gyud status, pwede pa ba siya tukuran o dili,” Abangan said.
Despite uncertainties, the CPA said rehabilitation projects for the affected ports will still be included in its proposed 2027 budget, pending completion of the studies.
Comendador said the agency has sufficient time to adjust its plans based on the final recommendations of the assessment.
“We can assure you… all these projects will be included in the 2027 budget especially for the three municipalities of Bogo, San Remigio and Medellin,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Flickr
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