CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Port Operations Building under the P430.3-million Balingoan Port Expansion Project in Misamis Oriental on April 22, describing it as part of the government’s agenda to improve inter-island connectivity and transport infrastructure.
The project, implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), includes a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ramp, a Port Operations Building (POB), and an expanded backup area for increased cargo and passenger flow.
“Ang proyektong ito ay bunga ng pagsisikap ng DOTr (Department of Transportation) at ng PPA (Philippine Ports Authority). Sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin, mayroon na tayong mas malawak na backup area, RoRo ramp, at Port Operations Building,” President Marcos said.
(This project is the result of the efforts of the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Ports Authority. In fulfilling their mandate, we now have a wider backup area, a RoRo ramp, and a Port Operations Building.)
The POB covers 3,082.51 square meters and can accommodate up to 500 passengers. It includes a passenger lounge, gender-inclusive restrooms, child care and play areas, food concession spaces, and prayer rooms. The port’s backup area has been expanded by 10,832 square meters to support cargo handling, storage, and logistical operations.
The President positioned the project within the framework of the Build Better More program, which aims to modernize the country’s infrastructure.
“Isa lamang ito sa aming mga proyekto upang gawing makabago ang mga pantalan sa ating kapuluan (this is just one of our projects to modernize ports across the archipelago),” the President added, citing similar developments in Batangas, Ilocos Norte, Cebu, and Leyte.
In Mindanao, the government is also implementing the Plaridel port expansion and improvement project in Misamis Occidental. Marcos said this effort contributes to strengthening inter-island connectivity in the region.
“Ang lahat ng ito ay naglalayong mapaunlad ang ating mga pantalan at mapabuti ang karanasan ng bawat Pilipino,” the President said.
(All of these aim to develop our ports and improve the experience of every Filipino.)
Transport connectivity
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon underscored the impact of the project on daily commuters. “This project gives dignity to our countrymen who travel here every day. And this is really a testament to the President’s vision of building better and building more. Guided by the President’s vision, we have turned this vision to build better and build more into real progress that people can feel every day,” Dizon said.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the upgraded terminal will reduce congestion and improve travel conditions. “Dahil dito, inaasahan natin mapabilis ang paglalakbay, at higit sa lahat, mas ligtas at komportable ang mararanasan ng ating mga kababayan at turista. Ang bagong gusaling ito ay handang tumanggap ng mas maraming manlalakbay, negosyante, at pagkakataon,” he said.
(With this, we expect faster travel, and above all, a safer and more comfortable experience for our fellow citizens and tourists. This new facility is ready to accommodate more travelers, business activity, and opportunities.)
Santiago also acknowledged the role of national leadership in driving infrastructure development. He said the project represents an investment in the country’s future and emphasized that such progress would not be possible without the strong and stable leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Passengers welcome upgrade
Passengers expressed appreciation for the improvements. Cheng Bee Lig-ang, a regular commuter, said that during peak seasons, the terminal was often overcrowded, with some passengers left standing due to a lack of seating.
“Napansin ko sa bagong passenger terminal building ay na solusyonan na ang masikip na PTB, may aircon na dati ay wala, at may sapat na pasilidad gaya ng mga upuan, comfort room, at mga ticketing booth na nagbibigay at nagpapadali ng proseso sa pagbiyahe,” she said.
(I noticed that the new passenger terminal building has addressed the previous overcrowding issues, it now has air conditioning, and there are sufficient facilities like seats, restrooms, and ticketing booths that streamline the travel process.)
She said Balingoan now has a functional and organized port and passengers have a more comfortable space while waiting for their trips.
Ma. Novelyn Rabusa also observed the improvements: “Mas maganda na at maluwag, komportable ang mga pasahero na papuntang Camiguin. Maraming salamat sa PPA at DOTr, kampante na ang mga pasahero,” she said.
(It is now better and more spacious, and passengers heading to Camiguin are more comfortable. Thank you to the PPA and DOTr, passengers can now travel with peace of mind.) (APB/PIA-10)
