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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 13 inaugurated Camiguin’s first Light Craft Landing Station and a new Port Operations Building at the Port of Benoni
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The upgraded facilities are expected to speed up cargo movement, improve passenger services, and lower logistics costs between Camiguin and mainland Mindanao
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Dedicated berthing facilities will improve vessel turnaround time, navigational safety and port efficiency for passenger and cargo operators
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Faster movement of agricultural and fishery products is expected to strengthen supply chains and enhance the competitiveness of farmers, fisherfolk, and MSMEs
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Passenger traffic at the Port of Benoni grew from 455,602 in 2022 to 792,803 in 2025, while vehicle traffic increased from 76,341 to 129,066
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated on July 13 the first-ever Light Craft Landing Station (LCLS) and inspected the newly completed Port Operations Building (POB) at the Port of Benoni in Mahinog, Camiguin.
The upgraded facilities are expected to provide passengers with improved processing services, larger waiting areas, enhanced amenities and modern safety features. Dedicated berthing facilities for passenger vessels, light craft operators, cargo haulers and vehicle transport services are also expected to improve vessel turnaround time, enhance navigational safety and increase operational efficiency.
The improved infrastructure is likewise expected to facilitate the movement of agricultural products, fishery commodities, consumer goods, construction materials, fuel, and other essential supplies between the island province of Camiguin and mainland Mindanao.
Joining the President during the event were Transportation acting secretary Giovanni Lopez, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Santiago, local government officials, and maritime transport sector stakeholders.
According to the PPA, faster and more reliable logistics will help reduce transport delays and costs, preserve product quality, strengthen supply chains, and improve the competitiveness of farmers, fisherfolk, local producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Growing passenger, cargo movement
Serving as Camiguin’s primary maritime gateway to mainland Mindanao and Bohol through the ports of Balingoan and Jagna along the Central Nautical Highway, the Port of Benoni has recorded strong growth in passenger and vehicle traffic.
Passenger volume grew from 455,602 in 2022 to 792,803 in 2025, and vehicle traffic increased from 76,341 to 129,066 during the same period, indicating the province’s expanding tourism industry and economic growth.
To meet rising demand, the PPA created a modern POB serving as a one-stop hub that streamlines frontline services and houses the Terminal Management Office along with partner government agencies, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering better inter-agency coordination.
Complementing the new terminal is the Port of Benoni’s first dedicated LCLS, which includes a new berthing facility, trestle, and a two-storey landing station exclusively for light vessel operations.
By separating light craft activities from the main port, the facility is expected to reduce congestion, improve vessel movement and enhance navigational safety while increasing the port’s capacity to accommodate growing passenger traffic and vessel movements.
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The port modernization is also expected to strengthen Camiguin’s tourism industry.
Government agencies operating within the port, including the PPA, Terminal Management Office, and Philippine Coast Guard, are also expected to benefit from upgraded office facilities that improve coordination, regulatory functions, and public service delivery.
The projects generated employment during construction and are expected to sustain jobs in port operations, transportation, logistics, security, maintenance and other support services while strengthening Camiguin’s economic linkages with mainland Mindanao and the Visayas, PPA said.
Regular port user Albert Mendez welcomed the improvements. “As a passenger like me, more people will be encouraged to visit Camiguin, especially now that the Port of Benoni has become so beautiful,” he said in Filipino.
Santiago said the projects underscore the PPA’s commitment to building infrastructure that deliver long-term economic benefits.
“Our mission goes beyond constructing ports. We are building gateways that connect islands, strengthen industries, expand tourism, and create opportunities for generations of Filipinos. Every modern port we develop reflects our commitment to nation-building through infrastructure that drives inclusive growth and brings lasting progress to our communities,” Santiago said.
