LIBON, Albay — To spur the development in the western coast, the provincial government of Albay has reopened the Pantao port in Libon town after 18 years of inactivity.

The provincial government has infused P111 million to fund the rehabilitation and refurbishment of Pantao port, which was built and inaugurated during the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and 3rd District Rep. Joey Salceda but was destroyed by Typhoon Milenyo in 2006.

The rehabilitation of Pantao Port was first initiated by governor-elect Noel Rosal when he assumed the office in 2022 but was stalled after he was removed from his post by the Commission on Elections.

When Edcel Grex Lagman became governor following the law of succession, he pursued Rosal's plan to reopen Pantao port.

"Today is a day of immense pride for Albay as we gather to witness the soft opening of Pantao Port. It is the beginning of a new era for our province. Pantao Port, strategically positioned on our western coast, is set to be a vital link connecting Albay to the wider regions of Visayas and Mindanao, and even beyond," Lagman said.

He said that Pantao will help boost the economic growth and facilitate trade in the province.

"This gives local industries new opportunities to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape. It will create jobs, attract investments and drive economic activities that will benefit all Albayano," he said.

"This port is a symbol of transformation for Albay. It represents our journey from being a province rich in natural beauty to one that is also a dynamic center of commerce and innovation. Pantao Port is part of our broader effort to transform Albay into a vibrant economy."

Vice Mayor Mark Gregor Edward Sayson of Libon Albay said that the development of Pantao Port was first conceptualized by businessman-turned-politician former governor now Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez in the early 1990s.

But Pantao Port is not a new port, he said.

More than 300 years ago, the port was an astillero or shipyard called "Real Astillero de Pantao" during the galleon trade.

"It is said that one of the largest and the best galleons, the Nuestra Señora del Buen Socorro was built in Pantao, 350 years ago. In 1720's or about 300 years ago, Pantao Port was the center of abaca trade in the Camarines, in which Libon was still a part of," Sayson said.

"Pantao Port embodies both stories of hopes and heartbreaks. More than the heartbreaks, as Libongueños, Albayanos and Bicolanos, we are people of great resilience, we always look forward and hope that this new chapter will bring development and transformation not only to Libon but to the rest of Albay and the entire Bicolandia."

After four centuries, Sayson said that Don Fernando Gonzalez, an international port operations expert with extensive experience in Saudi Arabia and Singapore, pushed for the redevelopment of Pantao Port.

"The development of Pantao Port originated from the visionary thinking of Don Fernando Gonzalez in 1993, well before he entered politics. At that time, he was an international port operations expert with extensive experience in Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Among his contemporaries were notable figures such as Don Enrique Razon Sr., the father of business magnate Don Enrique Razon Jr., and former House Speaker Jose De Venecia," Sayson said.