ILOILO CITY: The government of the Republic of South Korea has approved an $8-million-grant to repair ports in three towns in northern Iloilo province that were damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
This was disclosed by Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banias who said that the US$8 grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will fund the repair of ports in the towns of Carles, Concepcion and Estancia. The KOICA-project funded included landing quays and berthing areas for boats, as well as facilities for seafood storage. “The project aims to add value to marine products from these coastal towns,” said Banias.
Aside from repairs of infrastructure, the Northern Iloilo Comprehensive Fishery Development and Rehabilitation Program will also fund livelihood components to the fishing communities of the three towns. But before any construction can start, Banias said that Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. has to sign an agreement with KOICA to formalize the grant. “The national government and the provincial government will not spend a single peso for this,” Banias added.
