17/09/2026
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The General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., led by President Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, participated in the Inter-Agency Convergence Dialogue convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on September 15, 2026. The meeting brought together government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to coordinate the rehabilitation of Makar Wharf following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8.
PPA reported that the North Gate and Port Operations Building had to be demolished because of earthquake damage. Berths 5 to 9 remain operational under safety constraints, with Berth 9 fully available. Structural investigations have been completed, and the findings will guide the revised feasibility study, detailed engineering design, and program of work.
The port disruption increased costs and shipment risks for exporters, with some cargo diverted to Davao and other hubs. Industry estimates placed the additional logistics cost at โฑ50,000 to โฑ78,000 per diverted refrigerated container. While vessel calls and cargo volumes declined after the earthquake, port activity showed signs of recovery by August.
Stakeholders called for immediate repairs and temporary retrofitting while the long-term modernization proceeds through a public-private partnership. Other priorities include improving port access, maximizing available berths, using private-port capacity when needed, and establishing a clear rehabilitation and bidding timeline.
The Chamber maintains that restoring the Port of General Santos to full and reliable operation is a regional economic security priority. It will continue working with MinDA, PPA, the City Government, and industry partners to protect businesses, jobs, and the competitiveness of the wider region.
