The upgraded seaport in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental is expected to bring more than increased travel—it also presents new opportunities for local vendors.
For Rosalie Labucana, a 48-year-old vendor near the port, the expansion could lead to higher sales of Binangkal, a sesame-coated fried dough snack popular among travelers.
Local staple
Binangkal is a familiar sight near the Balingoan seaport and bus terminal. Priced at P35 per pack of five, the snack is favored by commuters, especially those heading to Camiguin and nearby areas.
Rosalie has sold Binangkal since 1992. Her sales peak during holidays, when tourist traffic is high.
“Dali ra ni siya (Binangkal) mahurot if adunay okasyon. Ang among ginaluto sa usa ka adlaw, walo ka kilo. Sa walo ka kilo, 72 na siya ka pack. Dali ra na siya mahurot, isa ra na siya ka adlaw,” she said.
(Binangkal sells fast, especially during holidays. We cook around eight kilos a day—about 72 packs—and they usually sell out within the day.)
Rosalie recalled how a returning overseas worker once brought packs of her Binangkal back to Dubai, showing how far the local product can reach.
Traffic means trade
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the new Balingoan Port Operations Building (POB) on April 22, highlighting its role in improving transport and commerce.
“Magbibigay-daan ito sa mas mabilis at madaling daloy ng mga produkto at mga tao, na siya naman ang magbibigay-daan ng pag-uunlad ng kalakalan at turismo sa inyong probinsya, at ang mga karatig na lugar, at sa buong rehiyon,” President Marcos said.
(The new building will make way for a much faster and easier passage of people and products, which will also enable the development of trade and tourism in the province, neighboring areas, and the entire region.)
The Philippine Ports Authority also said the upgraded facility now accommodates up to 500 passengers and includes modern amenities for travelers.
Rosalie sees the upgrade as beneficial for vendors like her, with increased traffic likely to raise demand.
“Dako ang among pasalamat tungod kay naa na diri tanan ang mga mobiyahe padulong sa Camiguin, ug sa bisan asa pa nga mga lugar nga ma-adtoan sa Balingoan. Daghan nang mamalit sa among Binangkal,” she said.
(We’re grateful for this because travelers bound for Camiguin and even those seeking to explore tourist sites in Balingoan converge here. Now, more people can buy our Binangkal product.)
Build Better More
The port development is part of the Marcos administration’s Build Better More initiative. Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon said it aims to enhance access and support local livelihoods.
“From his vision has been born this terminal for the people, and through our collective action, it is built for one purpose—to make the lives of the Filipinos, especially those from Misamis Oriental and Camiguin, better,” Dizon said.
Rosalie reflected on how the port has changed her work since she began selling Binangkal along the highway before the terminal was built.
“Nag luto-luto gyud mi sa akong mga ginikanan dugay na, wala pa’y terminal, sa highway lang. Mapasalamaton ko sa gobyerno nga aduna kami dako nga port dinhi sa Balingoan, kay usa na nga makahatag ug dugang pa nga income, ilabina sa among negosyo nga binangkal sa Balingoan,” she said.
(We’ve been cooking and selling since way back with my parents, even before there was no terminal—it was just along the highway. I’m thankful to the government that we now have a big port here in Balingoan, because it will help provide us with more income, especially for our Binangkal business.) (GDA/PIA-10)
