BALINGOAN, Misamis Oriental – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, led the inauguration of the newly expanded Port of Balingoan in Barangay Bauk-bauk, marking a major step forward in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Strategically located 84 kilometers northeast of Cagayan de Oro City, the port serves as a vital maritime gateway to Camiguin Island. Directly facing the Port of Benoni in Mahinog, Camiguin, Balingoan plays a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, linking Northern Mindanao to one of the country’s top tourism destinations.
“Ang Pantalan ng Balingoan ay mahalagang daanan papunta sa Camiguin—na tulad ng MisOr, ay isang napakagandang probinsya rin dahil sa taglay na mga mala-kristal na dalampasigan at nakakamanghang tanawin ng mga bulkan,” President Marcos Jr. said.
The entire project, which broke ground in 2021, was completed with a total investment of Php411.8 million. It includes over one hectare of back-up space for cargo handling and storage, as well as a new gate complex designed to streamline security and traffic flow within the port premises.
The port upgrade is a joint project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
“Sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin, mayroon na tayong mas malawak na back-up area, RoRo ramp, at Port Operations Building—mga pasilidad na tiyak ay makakapagbigay ng mas maayos na daloy ng tao at ng ating mga produkto,” he added.
Prior to the expansion, the port accommodated an average of 1,700 passengers daily, with traffic surging to over 3,000 during peak seasons. With its improved facilities, the port is expected to handle significantly higher passenger volumes.
At the heart of the expansion is a new two-storey Port Operations Building (POB) covering 3,082 square meters. The facility houses a 500-seat passenger terminal equipped with modern amenities such as ticketing counters, concession areas, lounges, and restrooms—enhancing both operational efficiency and passenger comfort.
The entire project, which broke ground in 2021, was completed with a total investment of Php411.8 million. It includes over one hectare of back-up space for cargo handling and storage, as well as a new gate complex designed to streamline security and traffic flow within the port premises.
With its enhanced infrastructure and expanded capacity, the Port of Balingoan is now positioned to become a stronger economic and logistical bridge between mainland Mindanao and Camiguin—driving trade, tourism, and local development in Northern Mindanao.
“Kapag naisaayos natin ang ating mga pasilidad at imprastraktura, asahan natin na lalakas ang turismo, bubuhos ang negosyo, lalago ang ekonomiya, at higit sa lahat, mas gaganda ang kabuhayan ng mga taga Misamis Oriental,” Marcos emphasized.
The Balingoan Port expansion supports the broader development agenda for Mindanao, which prioritizes robust transport infrastructure and improved logistics to spur inclusive growth and economic integration across the island.
The President also highlighted the port’s alignment with the administration’s “Build Better More” program, citing similar initiatives across the nation—from Batangas to Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Leyte, and other key areas in Mindanao—designed to enhance mobility and economic opportunities across the archipelago.
“Mga kababayan, ito po ang diwa ng aming tinatawag na Build Better More: Gumagawa tayo ng mga imprastrakturang may puso para sa ginhawa, seguridad, at pag-angat ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Joining the President at the ceremony were Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, and Press Secretary Jay Ruiz. The group also conducted a tour of the upgraded facilities.
President Marcos Jr. concluded by calling on the community and local leaders to take good care of the port, ensuring it remains a source of growth and pride for generations to come.
With its enhanced infrastructure and expanded capacity, the Port of Balingoan is now positioned to become a stronger economic and logistical bridge between mainland Mindanao and Camiguin—driving trade, tourism, and local development in Northern Mindanao.
