President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the inauguration of the Port Operations Building (POB) under the P430.3-million Balingoan Port Expansion Project in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.
The Balingoan Port Expansion Project is geared toward boosting the economic and tourism activities in the region.
Speaking during the launching held at the newly completed terminal, President Marcos said that under the Build Better More program, the government is building infrastructures aimed at improving public convenience, comfort, security, and general progress.
“Sa pagsasaayos natin sa pasilidad na ito, asahan natin na lalakas ang turismo, bubuhos ang negosyo, lalago ang ekonomiya, at higit sa lahat, mas gaganda ang kabuhayan ng mga taga Misamis Oriental,” President Marcos said.
“Isa lamang po ito sa aming mga proyekto at sa aming mga ginagawa upang gawing makabago ang mga pantalan sa ating kapuluan.”
The newly-inaugurated Port Operations Building spans 3,082.50 square meters and features a single-level, high-ceiling design that can accommodate up to 500 seated passengers. This is a 233 percent increase from the old terminal’s 150-passenger capacity.
The terminal’s modern features include passenger lounge areas, gender-inclusive restrooms, childcare and play areas, food concession spaces, and prayer rooms, enhancing travelers’ convenience and comfort.
Under the expansion project, the back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off ramp, and expanded cargo handling capabilities were also constructed and widened.
With the improvements, the port now has the capacity to berth up to five to six RoRo (roll-on/roll-off vessels) simultaneously, significantly reducing congestion and long queues of cargo and passenger vehicles.
Strategically located 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City, the Balingoan port serves as a vital transport and economic hub connecting Northern Mindanao with Camiguin and Bohol.
The development of the Port of Balingoan could also strengthen the Northern Mindanao’s tourism landscape, offering travelers greater access to some of Misamis Oriental’s lesser-known yet captivating destinations.
Last year, the port recorded over 6,102 ship calls, surpassing pre-pandemic figures, with RoRo traffic exceeding 109,000 and passenger traffic reaching more than 671,000. | PND
