2 weeks Ago
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Balingoan Port expansion project would boost tourism and business opportunities in Misamis Oriental. “Sa pagsasaayos natin sa pasilidad na ito, 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 said during the inauguration of the Balingoan Port expansion project.
(In improving this facility, let’s hope that this will strengthen tourism, boost businesses, develop the economy, and improve the livelihood of those living in Misamis Oriental.) “Isa lamang po ito sa aming mga proyekto at sa aming mga ginagawa upang gawing makabago ang mga pantalan sa ating kapuluan,” he added. (These is just one of our projects to develop ports in our island.
) This expansion project is considered as a vital gateway for travelers to Camiguin Island from Misamis Oriental and its neighboring areas. The Port of Balingoan serves a pivotal role when it comes to enhancing tourism, trade and economic activities in Northern Mindanao. According to the President, his administration is not just prioritizing the expansion of the ports but also its maintenance.
“Mahalaga rin po na mapanatili ang kaayusan ng mga ito upang masiguro na ligtas, matiwasay, at maginhawa ang biyahe ng bawat pasahero,” Marcos said. (It’s also important to ensure its maintenance to guarantee the safe travels of passengers.) “Kaya’t pangalagaan natin ito.
Dahil ang mga gusali, pasilidad, at imprastraktura ay magtatagal lamang kung may malasakit ang mga gumagamit nito,” he added. (So, let’s take care of this. It’s because the buildings, facilities, and infrastructure will last if those who utilize them are concerned with their use.
) The port has a newly constructed two-storey Port Operations Building with a 500-seating capacity and modern amenities to improve the passenger transit experience, as well as ticketing counters, concessionaire areas, lounges and restrooms. The Balingoan Port’s backup area has been expanded by 10,832 square meters to provide additional space for cargo handling, storage and logistical operations. This expansion is expected to enhance its capacity to accommodate increased traffic and larger volumes of goods.
Meanwhile, a new gate complex is being constructed in order to improve security and traffic flow within the port premises. This will streamline the entry and exit of vehicles and passengers, reducing congestion and enhancing overall operational efficiency. According to the Philippine Ports Authority, the port has the capacity to berth up to five to six RoRo vessels simultaneously, and this will reduce long queues of cargo and passenger vehicles waiting to board vessels bound for Camiguin.
—KG, GMA Integrated News.
