Marcos: Balingoan Port expansion will boost economy, tourism

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the newly inaugurated Balingoan Port expansion project in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental would help boost the economy and tourism in the province.

The port, which serves as the primary gateway to and from Camiguin Island, now has a newly constructed two-storey Port Operations Building with a 500-seat capacity.

It also features new ticketing counters, concessionaire areas, lounges, and restrooms.

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"In improving this facility, we can expect tourism to grow stronger, businesses to flourish, the economy to expand, and most importantly, the livelihood of the people of Misamis Oriental to greatly improve," Marcos said in Filipino after the ceremonial inauguration.

"That’s why we must take care of this. Buildings, facilities, and infrastructure will only last if the people who use them show care and responsibility. We know there’s still so much more to do to fulfill the promise of a better future for every Filipino. But we will never stop," he added.

Marcos also said the Balingoan Port expansion is just one of the projects the government is working on under the Build Better More program.

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"Last year, we completed the expansion of the Passenger Terminal Building at the Batangas Port. It can now accommodate up to 8,000 passengers — a huge improvement from its previous seating capacity of only 2,500 passengers," he said in Filipino.

The president also mentioned the ongoing Currimao Port Expansion and Restoration Project in Ilocos Norte, New Cebu International Container Port, the Ormoc Port Expansion Project in Leyte, and the Plaridel Port Expansion at Improvement Project in Misamis Occidental.

"All of these efforts aim to improve our ports and enhance the experience of every Filipino," he added.

During the ceremony, Marcos unveiled the terminal building’s marker and conducted a tour inside. He was accompanied by Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon and Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago.

(2025/04/22-12:03)