The Port Management of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro (PMO MOC) has again been cited for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability for the Port of Cagayan de Oro with its third international award from the prestigious Green Port Award System (GPAS) of the APEC Port Services Network (APSN).
This commendation marks the third such award for Cagayan de Oro Port. It was conferred during the APSN Forum on Green Shipping Corridors held October 24-25, 2024, in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. The accolade was received on behalf of the PMO by Ruby Maria O. Gumapon, Port Services Division Manager.
The Green Port Award System (GPAS) is a green evaluation program for ports in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region. The GPAS program is part of the APEC Port Services Network’s (APSN) efforts to promote green growth in the port industry. The program aims to improve environmental awareness, promote sustainable development, advance green interoperability, and share Best Practices.
Ruby Maria O. Gumapon, PMO MOC Port Services Division Manager holds the GPAS Certificate and plaque awarded to Cagayan de Oro Port.
In a notice dated 12 October 2024 , Dr. Li Qing, APSN Secretary General informed PMO MOC that the GPAS Evaluation Committee reviewed and evaluated all the applications for GPAS 2024 and scored each applicant according to the indicators in the Implementation Plan for GPAS-2020 and the specific criteria set out in the Guide to GPAS Expert Evaluation.
The Port’s sustainable programs, activities, and initiatives in the areas of green port awareness and promotion, clean energy, pollution control, waste treatment, and Green Management as comprehensively detailed in its application, were found to have satisfactorily met the criteria of GPAS; thus, qualifying it as one of the APSN’s GPAS awardees for 2024.
“The score of your application has reached the criteria of GPAS, and I am very pleased and honored to advise you that Port of Cagayan de Oro is awarded the GPAS 2024 with the endorsement by the APSN Council,” Dr. Li Qing noted.
The PMO MO/C, under the leadership of Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr., acknowledges PMO MOC’s repeated recognition serves as an inspiration for other ports and maritime entities to prioritize environmental stewardship and sets a benchmark for port greening initiatives.
“As a Green Port and the leading PMO for a green culture, we may have become “infectious” in instilling environmental consciousness and awareness among all port stakeholders, all terminal ports, and even to other PMOs who would also like to embrace the green culture and replicate the best practices of CDO Port,” Engr.Butaslac noted.
Ruby Maria O. Gumapon, PMO MOC Port Services Division Manager received the GPAS 2024 plaque on behalf of Cagayan de Oro Port.
The port’s commitment to sustainable development aligns with the PPA leadership and global efforts to promote greener shipping corridors, contributing to a healthier marine ecosystem and community.
The awarding of three (3) GPAS (2018, 2021 & 2024) flags is a testament to the effective implementation of green policies and practices within the port’s operations and around the port and coastal communities under the MO/C’s jurisdiction as well.
As the PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro continues to lead by example, it reinforces the crucial role of ports in fostering environmental responsibility while facilitating economic growth. This ongoing dedication ensures that future generations can enjoy a vibrant and sustainable marine and coastal environment.
Other ports in the Philippines that have been recognized by the GPAS include the Port of Batangas (2017),Port of Surigao (2023) and Port of General Santos (2024). The Port of Cagayan de Oro remains the only multi-awarded GPAS port in the P Philippines (2018, 2021 & 2024).
Overview of PMO-MOC
PMO MOC administrative jurisdiction covers the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Camiguin with 7 government and 11 registered private ports (bannered by the Port of Cagayan de Oro, one of 10 gateway ports under PPA port system).
It facilitates the transport of passengers and the input of raw materials and export of the region’s products through bulk, break bulk and RORO. It also provides ancillary services such as pilotage, tug assistance, bunkering, trucking, and porterage; supply of fresh water, and passenger related services.
