Port of Malalag designated as alternative port following Mindanao earthquake; relief goods prioritized

DAVAO DEL SUR, Philippines — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has officially designated the Port of Malalag in Davao del Sur as a temporary alternative hub following a powerful earthquake that struck the Mindanao region. The move comes as the Port of General Santos undergoes a comprehensive structural integrity assessment to ensure the safety of its facilities and personnel.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago issued the directive on June 11, 2026, mandating immediate coordination between Port Management Office (PMO) Socsargen and PMO Davao. The decision follows a site inspection conducted on June 9, 2026, by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and GM Santiago to evaluate the earthquake’s impact on critical maritime infrastructure.

Port of Malalag Facilities and Capabilities

Located approximately 77 kilometers from General Santos City, the Port of Malalag is equipped to handle diverse cargo operations. The facility features robust infrastructure designed to maintain the flow of trade and transport in the region:

• Wharf Berth Length: 165 meters
• Maximum Draft: Up to 15 meters
• RoRo Ramp: 21 meters
• Backup Area: 5,593.59 square meters
• Total Port Area: 10,017.89 square meters
• Support Facilities: PPA field office, standby generator set, and 24/7 surveillance camera system

The port is capable of accommodating bulk, break-bulk, conventional, and containerized cargoes. Essential maritime services, including pilotage, tugboat assistance, and bunkering, are fully operational to support incoming vessels.

“Despite the disaster, we want to ensure that our fellow citizens using the ports are not inconvenienced and that services continue through alternative ports while the assessment at the Port of General Santos is ongoing. It is vital to verify the structural and underwater integrity of the affected port to guarantee everyone’s safety,” GM Santiago stated.

Prioritization of Relief and Humanitarian Cargo

In a simultaneous directive, the PPA has ordered all Port Management Offices nationwide to provide priority processing and movement for relief goods and humanitarian cargoes destined for earthquake-hit areas. This priority status extends to berthing, vessel scheduling, and cargo handling services.

Essential supplies receiving priority include:

• Food and clean drinking water
• Medicines and medical equipment
• Rescue and shelter materials
• Generator sets and fuel
• Rehabilitation and recovery supplies

By implementing these measures, the PPA aims to reinforce the resilience of the nation’s maritime gateways, ensuring that vital transportation and aid delivery remain uninterrupted during times of calamity.