THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it awarded expansion and rehabilitation contracts for three ports, valued at a combined P773 million.

In separate notices posted on its website, PPA said it awarded the contract for the San Carlos, Negros Occidental port improvement project; the Virac, Catanduanes port rehabilitation project; and the San Ricardo, Southern Leyte port expansion project.

The PPA said the San Carlos contract of P350.13 million was awarded to Silver Dragon Construction and Lumber and Glass Supply, Inc.

The Bacolod City-based company will have 630 days to complete the improvement works.

Meanwhile, a Bicol-based construction company, Bemkar Construction and Supply, bagged the P119-million Virac project.

The company was given 450 days to complete the rehabilitation works.

Additionally, the PPA said Quezon City-based MRBII Construction Corp. secured the P303.80-million San Ricardo expansion and upgrade contract, which it was given 660 days to complete.

For the year, PPA said it will continue accelerate its infrastructure projects to help sustain cargo and passenger volume growth.

Between 2024 and 2028, the PPA has allocated about P16 billion to fund infrastructure works, including 14 flagship projects. — Ashley Erika O. Jose