The highly anticipated waterfront destination, Pier 88 in Liloan, Cebu was inaugurated in a grand opening recently.
The event, considered a milestone for the Province of Cebu, was graced by the President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Also in attendance were Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Transportation Secretary Jimmy Bautista, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Deputy Speaker Raymond Mendoza, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, and other Congressmen and Mayors of Cebu.
In his message, Marcos noted that the event reflects the government’s dedication to boosting economic growth not just in Liloan, Cebu, but the neighboring areas as well.
The President recognized the potential of Pier 88 to stimulate job creation, attract investments, and invigorate the local economy. This remarkable milestone aligns with his administration’s vision to empower provinces and encourage inclusive development throughout the country.
“The launching of Pier 88 shall offer faster transport alternative for passengers and for cargoes.”
“The launching of Pier 88 shall offer faster transport alternative for passengers and for cargoes and holds promise to become a local economic hub which shall immensely serve the interests of peoples of Liloan and beyond,” Marcos said.
“This will help the tourism industry of Liloan, but this is not just the tourism for Liloan, Cebu or Camotes islands. This is in consonance with the discussions that we have been making with other countries especially around ASEAN in that we are going to work together so that we increase our tourism volume,” he added.
Situated in the picturesque coastal town of Liloan, Cebu, Pier 88 broke ground in 2019 when the tourism chief was mayor of Liloan.
The port showcases the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Its strategic location provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the azure waters and the stunning Cebu skyline.
The pier is meant to offer an array of world-class facilities, including a spacious boardwalk, dining options featuring local culinary delights, and vibrant retail outlets.
Other than being the former mayor of Liloan, the tourism head’s attendance underscored the government’s recognition of Pier 88’s significance as a key tourism asset noting that this iconic destination will enhance Cebu’s allure as a world-class tourist destination, ultimately contributing to the overall growth of the Philippine tourism industry.
Conceptualized and approved in 2015 when Deputy Speaker Frasco was still Mayor, and broken ground on and inaugurated during his wife’s first term as Mayor of Liloan, the port project primarily aims to ease traffic in the north going to and from Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
“It will improve the quality of life saving hours and lives of thousands of Cebuanos.”
“The port will help decongest traffic in Metro Cebu particularly in Consolacion and Mandaue City by providing an alternative mode of transport using the Topline Sea Bus. Most importantly, It will improve the quality of life saving hours and lives of thousands of Cebuanos by significantly cutting travel time of the riding public daily thru and from their respective workplaces in Metro Cebu. Pier 88, Port of Liloan provides an added economic gateway to our already progressive and developed town. It benefits surrounding municipalities and cities and the rest of northern Cebu and creates massive opportunities for livelihood, employment, commerce and trade, and of course to Secretary Christina’s delight – tourism,” the veteran legislator said.
Pier 88 Port is located in Liloan’s Barangay Poblacion. The port is expected to attend to travelers going in and out of Cebu mainland via Liloan to Metro Cebu, the Camotes group of islands, and Bohol and Leyte provinces.
It is a joint venture covered by a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the local government of Liloan and Topline Group of Companies.
