In preparation for the full operation of its Industrial X-ray Machine Baggage Scanner and Walk Thru Metal Detector at the Liloan Ferry Terminal, Port of Liloan, Liloan Southern Leyte, the Philippine Ports Authority conducted an Echo-Training on the Operation of Industrial X-Ray Machine last February 7, 2006 at its newly constructed Passenger Accommodation Facility at said port.

The echo training, which was a priority program of Port Manager Winfred G. Elizalde, was conducted by PPA PMO Tacloban personnel who had undergone a similar but more rigid and comprehensive training in Manila - Acting Chief Safety Officer Bernard Calledo, Division Manager Rodolfo Morano, Terminal Operations Officer Simeon Maamo III and Civil Security Officer Jose Clutario. An on-site, hands-on operation of the industrial x-ray machine baggage scanner and walk-thru metal detector formed part of the echo training. Participants were PPA operations and port police personnel, representatives of cargo handling service providers and security guards.

The procurement of the industrial x-ray machine baggage scanner and walk-thru metal detector at a cost of P6.7 million and P.715 million, respectively, and its distribution in key ports throughout the country is an important aspect of the PPA’s implementation of strict security measures in the ports and in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code. It is also a milestone in PPA history - a leap forward in modernizing the ports.

The Liloan Ferry Terminal is the gateway to Mindanao in the south through the Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao and to Luzon in the north through the Leyte-Samar Pan-Philippine Highway - San Isidro-Allen, Northern Samar ferry terminals to the Ferry Terminal in Matnog, Sorsogon.

Its CY 2005 operational records showed the following: vessel calls: 1,670; rolling cargoes (all types of vehicles) in and out the port: 19,029 and 21,760, respectively; passenger- embarking and disembarking: 217,156 and 221,093, respectively.

The Liloan Ferry Terminal is presently undergoing refurbishing particularly in its waiting and pre-departure areas, which shall soon be fully air-conditioned. New ceiling fans were earlier installed and industrial fans provided. Amenities such as television sets have been set up in both the waiting and pre-departure areas. A child care station is also available.

Another big port development project that has already been advertised for bidding is the Liloan Ferry Terminal Expansion Project consisting of a reclamation, construction of roro ramp and reinforced concrete platform, installation of mooring and fendering system and port lighting system at project cost of P71.4 million.