President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened the newly completed Port Operations Building (POB) at Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the P430.3-million Balingoan Port Expansion Project. This initiative aims to revitalize the region’s economy and tourism sectors by enhancing maritime infrastructure.
During the inauguration ceremony, held at the state-of-the-art terminal, President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to infrastructure development through the “Build Better More” program. He highlighted that these projects are designed to improve public convenience, comfort, and security, and contribute to overall national progress.
“By improving this facility, we anticipate a surge in tourism, an influx of business, economic growth, and, most importantly, enhanced livelihoods for the people of Misamis Oriental,” President Marcos stated. “This is just one of our projects aimed at modernizing ports across our archipelago.”
The new Port Operations Building, spanning a substantial 3,082.50 square meters, features a spacious, single-level design capable of accommodating up to 500 seated passengers—a 233 percent increase from the previous terminal’s 150-passenger capacity. Modern amenities include comfortable passenger lounges, gender-inclusive restrooms, dedicated childcare and play areas, food concession spaces, and prayer rooms, significantly improving the travel experience.
The expansion project also encompassed the construction of a larger back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ramp, and expanded cargo handling capabilities. These enhancements enable the port to simultaneously berth five to six RoRo vessels, effectively reducing congestion and streamlining the flow of cargo and passenger vehicles.
Strategically located 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City, Balingoan Port serves as a crucial transportation and economic nexus, connecting Northern Mindanao with Camiguin and Bohol. The port’s upgraded facilities are expected to bolster Northern Mindanao’s tourism landscape, providing easier access to the region’s diverse attractions.
The port’s performance in the previous year underscores its importance, with over 6,102 ship calls, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. RoRo traffic exceeded 109,000 vehicles, and passenger traffic reached over 671,000, demonstrating the port’s vital role in regional connectivity.
