After almost 20 years of waiting, the seaport in Barangay Pantao, Libon, Albay is now operational, offering new opportunities for local employment and commerce.

The local government is optimistic about the seaport’s impact, expecting it to generate numerous job opportunities and strengthen local commerce.

The provincial government and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) hope that various shipping lines will seek approval to dock at the seaport due to its strategic location and accessibility.

"Maraming Albayanos that can acutually benefit from this lalo na po yung mga maliliit nating kasama, [it] involves agrikultura na hindi na po kailangang padaanin sa iba pang routes," Governor Grex Lagman said.

As of this writing, the seaport prioritizes cargo vessels. It will also open to passenger vessels in the future.

"Open man po ini sa passenger vessels. Yun lamang po dapat an mabiyahe po digdi na passenger vessel, parang makua sa MARINA su missionary route permit, dae man po pwedeng magbyahe an sarong passenger vessel na wara kang permit po," Stephen Agnas, PPA Terminal Supervisor, said.

The Philippine Coast Guard is ensuring the safety of travelers using the seaport.