President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernizing the country’s ports to spur regional economic growth and tourism.

Marcos made the remarks as he led the inauguration of the expanded Balingoan Port in Misamis Oriental.

The Balingoan Port now features a newly constructed two-story Port Operations Building with a 500-seating capacity and upgraded amenities aimed at improving passenger experience. The facility includes modern lounges, a children’s playroom, restrooms, ticketing counters, and commercial concession areas.

The port’s backup area was also expanded by 10,832 square meters to support increased cargo handling, storage, and logistical operations.

The expansion is expected to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate rising traffic and a higher volume of goods.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized the strategic value of upgrading the Balingoan Port for regional development.

“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 (With the improvement of this facility, we can expect stronger tourism, increased business activity, a growing economy, and above all, a better quality of life for the people of Misamis Oriental),” he said.

Marcos said the Balingoan Port project is part of a broader national effort to modernize seaports across the archipelago.

The President cited completed and ongoing port projects under the administration’s Build Better More infrastructure program, including the expanded Batangas Passenger Terminal Building, which now accommodates up to 8,000 passengers, up from its previous 2,500 capacity.

Other key projects are the Currimao Port Expansion in Ilocos Norte for cruise ship operations, the New Cebu International Container Port to streamline central Philippine trade, the Ormoc Port Expansion in Leyte, and the Plaridel Port Improvement in Misamis Occidental.

“Higit sa pagiging daanan tungo sa mga sentro ng kalakalan, negosyo, at turismo, ang mga pantalan ay isa ring mahalagang tulay tungo sa kaunlaran ng ating bansa (More than gateways to trade, business, and tourism hubs, our ports are vital bridges to national development),” he said. (PNA)