President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday inaugurated a new passenger terminal and lightcraft landing station at Benoni Port, Camiguin’s main maritime gateway.
The upgraded facilities are intended to ease congestion, improve passenger movement and support tourism and local commerce in the island province.
Benoni Port connects Camiguin to Balingoan in Misamis Oriental and Jagna in Bohol through the Central Nautical Highway.
“For an island like Camiguin, the importance of a modern and efficient port cannot be overstated,” Marcos said.
He noted that the port serves residents, businesses, fishermen and tourists by keeping people, goods and services moving between the island and nearby provinces.
The new passenger terminal is expected to provide safer and more efficient services as traffic at the port continues to grow.
Government projections show that annual passenger volume could reach 893,071 by 2030, while vehicle traffic may rise to 174,921.
The project also includes a port operations building designed as a one-stop shop for users and a more efficient workspace for the Terminal Management Office.
The lightcraft landing station features a new berthing facility, trestle and two-storey terminal building. It is designed to accommodate smaller vessels, including yachts carrying tourists.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the facilities form part of the government’s port modernization program and efforts to improve access to key tourism destinations.
Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago said the improvements would help streamline operations and create more opportunities for local businesses and the tourism sector.