AMICI Shipyard Brings Economic Boost and Jobs to Northern Bohol

Copywritten by Samantha Marie Y. Jerez

Based on a report by Ehda M. Dagooc of The Freeman, published November 30, 2023

BUENAVISTA, BOHOL — A major step in Bohol’s economic transformation begins with the establishment of the island’s first shipyard facility by Cebu-based Primary Group of Builders (PGB) through its marine construction arm, Artemis Marine and Industrial Construction, Inc. (AMICI). This 19-hectare development in Barangay Cruz, Buenavista, is set to unlock new employment opportunities, especially in the province’s northern coastal communities. 

The new AMICI Marine Shipyard signals the start of Bohol’s positioning as a maritime hub in the Visayas, catalyzing investor confidence and new business ventures. Since operations began, the shipyard has already serviced 40 vessels and currently employs over 300 workers—80% of whom are locals.

Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado recognized the facility’s potential to energize underdeveloped coastal towns like Buenavista, Inabangga, and Ubay, where job creation and industry opportunities have long been limited. During the launch held on November 28, 2023, he expressed optimism that more Cebu-based and national investors will soon follow suit. 

Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo described the shipyard as a “game-changer” for his town, traditionally reliant on agriculture and fishing. The AMICI development, he said, is the first large-scale, labor-intensive project in the municipality—a breakthrough expected to strengthen local livelihoods and stimulate the economy.

At the heart of AMICI’s operations is a world-class ship repair and drydocking facility with advanced transfer technology capable of servicing 12 vessels up to 100 meters in length, with future expansion plans to accommodate up to 20 ships via a sideward railway extension.

William Christopher U. Liu, Jr., PGB President and CEO, shared that while AMICI’s current focus is ship repair and maintenance, its MARINA-issued Class B license also allows it to engage in shipbuilding. A full expansion into shipbuilding, he added, may be announced in the medium term.

“We are here to build careers and communities,” Mr. Liu emphasized.

The AMICI shipyard offers comprehensive marine services, including ship management, dry-docking and afloat repairs, hull blasting and painting, ship conversion and structural fabrication. Its maintenance expertise spans key ship systems such as propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, piping, gearbox, and engines.

Supporting this high-capacity operation is an extensive range of infrastructure and equipment: a main slipway, transfer carriages, winch motors, machine shops, generators, cranes, boom trucks, backhoes, and assist tugboats—all designed to ensure efficient turnaround and top-tier service quality.

To address the industry-wide shortage of skilled labor, PGB’s technical-vocational arm, the School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership, and Service (SKILLS), has opened a Bohol campus. This initiative equips locals with the specialized training needed in ship repair and construction, ensuring long-term employment and talent development in the province.

Since 2011, PGB has maintained a strong presence in Bohol through its residential brand Primary Homes, which pioneered gated communities on the island. Today, Primary Homes continues to grow with projects across Panglao and key towns, alongside the operations of a batching plant under PGB’s construction and manufacturing division.

Established in 2018 and developed in 2019, AMICI reflects PGB’s enduring commitment to nation-building through diversified investments in construction, logistics, real estate, health, and workforce development.

With Bohol strategically located at the heart of the Philippine archipelago—and in close proximity to Cebu, home to nearly half of the country’s shipping companies—AMICI is uniquely positioned to serve as a key player in the national marine industry for years to come.

For more information or inquiries, contact:
 📧 operations.amici@gmail.com
 📱+63- (032) 238-6150

News Article Link: https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2023/11/30/2315351/new-shipyard-spells-more-jobs-bohol