Overview: What happened at Jubang port
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has established a special takeover unit, PPA-Jubang Port Services (PPA-JPS), to run cargo operations at the Jubang cruise ship port in Dapa, Siargao. This move assigns management, operation and maintenance responsibilities for cargo-handling and related services to the new unit whilst the nearby dedicated cargo port remains under construction.
Mandate and responsibilities of PPA-JPS
PPA-JPS was created under PPA Memorandum Order No. 003-2026 with a clear set of duties meant to ensure steady operations during the transition. The unit’s responsibilities include:
- Managing daily cargo-handling operations and ensuring continuous service.
- Implementing temporary tariffs aligned with existing Port of Dapa charges until Jubang’s own tariff is approved.
- Collecting rental rates and service charges for cargo-handling activities.
- Hiring labour under contracts of service whilst complying with applicable employment laws and regulations.
- Coordinating under PPA Port Management Office (PMO) Surigao with designated PPA officials and staff.
Why a takeover unit, and how it fits PPA practice
Forming temporary takeover units is a familiar PPA approach when an existing operator’s contract expires and no new private operator has been selected. These units keep ports operational – “a stitch in time” to avoid service disruption – until public bidding identifies a long-term private operator and management can be transferred.
Quick operational snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project cost | £620.637 million for the Jubang cruise ship port (completed 2024) |
| First commercial call | November 2025 — MV St. Francis Xavier (2Go Group, Inc.) from Port of Manila |
| Current function | Dedicated cruise terminal temporarily handling domestic liner services and roll-on/roll-off cargo |
| Supervising office | PPA PMO Surigao |
How the arrangement affects operations on the ground
With PPA-JPS taking the helm, port users can expect a more centralised short-term approach to tariffs, labour contracts and service continuity. Practically speaking, operators and shippers should prepare for:
- Temporary but consistent tariff rules copied from Port of Dapa until Jubang’s own schedule is approved.
- Closer coordination with PMO Surigao for berth scheduling and cargo handling.
- Potential short-term staffing changes as contractors are engaged under service contracts.
Implications for shippers, freight forwarders and local logistics
For local freight forwarders, hauliers and businesses moving goods to and from Siargao, the change is mostly operational rather than structural. Expect predictable short-term handling rules and an emphasis on keeping shipments moving whilst the dedicated cargo port is finalised. For carriers offering roll-on/roll-off or liner services, this arrangement reduces the risk of sudden interruptions but may also mean that commercial terms could shift once permanent tariffs are approved.
Practical checklist for cargo stakeholders
- Confirm tariff and fee schedules prior to booking shipments.
- Verify labour arrangements and expected service windows with PPA-JPS.
- Plan for temporary berth allocations, especially during peak tourist and cargo seasons.
- Coordinate early with local hauliers and freight movers to avoid last-minute delays.
Think of Jubang temporarily wearing two hats: built as a cruise terminal but rolling up its sleeves to handle liners and ro-ro cargo until a nearby cargo terminal is finished. It’s a practical solution—no drama, just logistics in action—so operators can keep deliveries moving without missing a beat.
Broader perspective: regional and global impact
On a global scale, this development is relatively minor: it does not alter major shipping lanes or international container flows. Regionally, however, it matters. Siargao’s economy depends on reliable movement of goods for tourism, retail and construction, and the PPA-JPS initiative minimises local disruption and supports steady supply chains.
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Key takeaways are simple: the PPA formed a temporary management unit to maintain cargo flow, tariffs are temporarily aligned with Port of Dapa, and the port will revert to private operation through public bidding when ready. Even the most thorough reviews can’t replace firsthand experience—seeing how a port operates during peak and off-peak times gives the clearest picture. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at competitive global prices, which helps you make informed logistics choices without unnecessary expense or disappointment. Benefit from the platform’s transparency, broad options and ease of booking to secure the best fit for your freight, parcel, pallet, or bulky shipment. Book your Ride GetTransport.com.com
Summary and logistics wrap-up
The PPA-Jubang Port Services takeover is a pragmatic, temporary fix that keeps cargo operations running whilst a dedicated cargo port is completed nearby. It ensures uninterrupted handling of freight, roll-on/roll-off shipments and liner services with provisional tariffs and staffed contracts. For logistics players—forwarders, hauliers, couriers and movers—the message is to plan ahead, confirm rates and coordinate load windows. GetTransport.com aligns well with these needs by offering an efficient, cost-effective and convenient platform for arranging transport, shipping and moving services, whether you’re handling parcels, pallets, containers or bulky goods across local and international routes. Reliable dispatch, straightforward booking and broad coverage make it easier to manage shipment, delivery and relocation needs during transitions like this one.
PPA launches special takeover unit to run cargo operations at, Jubang cruise port">