UPGRADED. The expanded Balingoan Port in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental is expected to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate rising traffic and a higher volume of goods. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the expansion project on Tuesday (April 22, 2025). (RTVM Screengrab)
In a significant move to stimulate economic growth and enhance economic tourism, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Port Operations Building (POB) on Tuesday as part of the ambitious Balingoan Port Expansion Project in Misamis Oriental.
The long-awaited development is set to transform the landscape of transportation and commerce in Northern Mindanao, making the region a key player in the local and national economy.
The expansion, valued at over Php250 million, is a testament to the government’s commitment to the Build Better More program, which focuses on creating infrastructure that caters to public convenience, safety, and overall progress.
During the inauguration, President Marcos articulated the far-reaching implications of the project: “With the enhancement of this facility, we can expect a surge in tourism, a boom in business, and an improved standard of living for the people of Misamis Oriental.”
The newly completed terminal boasts a striking high-ceiling design that spans 3,082.50 square meters, allowing for a remarkable increase in capacity from the previous 150 to now accommodating 500 seated passengers. This improvement reflects a 233 percent enhancement, addressing the growing demands of passenger travel and cargo transportation.
Modern amenities like passenger lounge areas, gender-inclusive restrooms, childcare zones, and food concession spaces have been strategically integrated into the terminal’s design, ensuring travelers enjoy heightened comfort and convenience during their journeys. Prayer rooms have been included to cater to the diverse community’s religious needs, showcasing the new facility’s inclusive approach.
The expanded cargo-handling capabilities, which feature a back-up area and an additional roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ramp, mark a vital upgrade for the port. Now able to berth up to five to six RoRo vessels simultaneously, Balingoan Port is expected to drastically reduce congestion and long queues, facilitating smoother operations for cargo and passenger vehicles. The upgrade not only enhances the efficiency of the port but also signals the potential for increased maritime trade and connectivity within the region.
Strategically located just 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City, the Balingoan port is a critical gateway connecting Northern Mindanao with the enchanting destinations of Camiguin and Bohol. The port’s development could have ripple effects on the tourism landscape, providing travelers with improved access to lesser-known yet remarkable attractions in Misamis Oriental.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Last year, the port recorded over 6,102 ship calls, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with RoRo traffic exceeding 109,000 and passenger traffic reaching more than 671,000. These figures underscore the port’s role as a vital transport and economic hub, poised to play an even larger role moving forward.
The Balingoan Port Expansion Project is not merely an infrastructure development; it represents a vision for a thriving economic future in Misamis Oriental.
As the port enters its new role, it will serve as a cornerstone for progress, elevated livelihoods, and tourism blossoming in one of the Philippines’ most picturesque regions.
With each vessel that docks at its enhanced facilities, the promise of growth and opportunity for the people of Northern Mindanao becomes increasingly tangible. PIA
