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President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on April 22 inaugurated the P430.39-million Balingoan Port expansion project in Misamis Oriental
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The newly-completed port operations building can accommodate up to 500 seated passengers, up 233% from the old capacity of 150
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The expansion project includes construction and widening of the port’s back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off ramp, and expanded cargo-handling capabilities
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on April 22 inaugurated the P430.39-million Balingoan Port expansion project, which expands the Misamis Oriental port’s passenger and cargo-handling capacity.
The project includes the newly-completed port operations building (POB) that can accommodate up to 500 seated passengers—a 233% increase from the old terminal’s 150-passenger capacity, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said in a statement.
The agency said the new terminal spans 3,082.50 square meters and features a single-level, high-ceiling design. It comes with passenger lounge areas, gender-inclusive restrooms, childcare and play areas, food concession spaces, and prayer rooms.
The POB will also function as a one-stop shop for port-related transactions, ensuring efficient processes and providing conducive workspace for PPA’s Terminal Management Office personnel, PPA said.
The project includes the construction and widening of the port’s back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ramp, and expanded cargo-handling capabilities.
The port now has the capacity to berth up to five to six RoRo vessels simultaneously, significantly reducing congestion and long queues of cargo and passenger vehicles waiting to board vessels bound for Camiguin, according to PPA.
The open storage area has been improved to accommodate up to 300 cars at any given time, improving cargo-handling efficiency and reducing congestion.
Located 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan port serves as a vital transport and economic hub connecting Northern Mindanao to the islands of Camiguin and Bohol.
In 2024, PPA said the port recorded over 6,102 ship calls, surpassing pre-pandemic figures, with RoRo traffic exceeding 109,000 and passenger traffic reaching more than 671,000.
“With the modernized Balingoan Port now fully operational, it continues to serve as a gateway not only to the picturesque Camiguin Island but also as a symbol of progress and transformation in the Philippine transport sector. Every upgrade to this port is an investment in the livelihood and mobility of thousands of Filipinos who rely on it each day,” PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.
PPA said the inauguration marks a milestone in its continued commitment to modernizing the country’s ports in line with the growing needs of passengers, port users, and stakeholders.
It added that the development of Balingoan port is poised to strengthen the tourism landscape in Northern Mindanao, offering travelers greater access to some of Misamis Oriental’s lesser-known yet captivating destinations.
Among these is Salag Dahilig in Barangay Dahilig—a rising eco-tourism site nestled in the highlands near the Langit-langit Falls. Known as the Dahilig Nest, it provides visitors with a serene mountaintop escape and panoramic views of the Balatucan Mountain Range. Easily accessible via the Claveria-Balingoan Road and a brief walk from the designated parking area, Salag is ideal for those seeking nature and solitude.
Equally noteworthy is Alibuag Spring Resort in Mantangale, a 5.5-hectare property surrounded by lush orchards and freshwater springs. The resort offers well-appointed cottages and executive suites, along with a range of aquatic activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and guided marine tours to nearby Camiguin. In Sugbongcogon, Halseyle Hill’s Puesto Verde stands out as a seasonal retreat featuring a saltwater infinity pool, jacuzzi, and sweeping views of the Camiguin coastline.
PPA said these destinations, combined with enhanced port accessibility, reinforce Misamis Oriental’s growing stature as a premier tourism corridor in the region.
