President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government is upgrading port infrastructure in Camiguin to keep pace with the island province’s rapidly growing tourism industry and improve the movement of people and goods.

Leading the inauguration of the Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station in Mahinog town, Marcos said modern transport facilities are crucial to sustaining tourism-driven growth while improving the daily lives of residents.

“The whole of the rest of the Philippines ay tinatanaw talaga ang kagandahan dito sa Camiguin (is looking at the beauty of Camiguin)… Camiguin has become a gem on the Philippine map,” he said, noting that the province continues to attract increasing numbers of local and foreign tourists.

Marcos said the rise in visitor arrivals has also exposed capacity constraints at the Port of Benoni, one of Camiguin’s gateways.

“During peak season, may problema, hahanap ng boat ticket… nagiging biktima ang mga traveler ng mga unauthorized ticket processors o fixer (During peak season, travelers struggle to secure boat tickets… and become victims of unauthorized ticket processors or fixers),” he said.

Marcos said he has directed the Department of Transportation to remove bottlenecks in transport hubs and modernize airports and seaports nationwide.

“We must modernize our airports and seaports nationwide so that our infrastructure can match the demand of our booming tourist industry,” he said.

The President said the new Port Operations Building and Light Craft Landing Station strengthen Benoni Port’s role as Camiguin’s primary marine gateway, connecting the island to Jagna, Bohol and Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.

The facilities are expected to improve vessel movement, ease congestion, enhance navigational safety, and accommodate increasing passenger and cargo traffic.

Marcos said government projections show annual passenger traffic at Benoni Port could reach about 950,000 by 2030, while vehicle traffic is expected to climb to more than 155,000.

“Kaya tayo nag-iinvest ngayon para ‘yung imprastruktura natin ay handa naman sa nagiging demand (The reason we are investing now is for our infrastructure to be ready for the growing demand),” he said.

Aside from Benoni, the administration is also developing the ports of Balbagon and Guinsiliban to strengthen connectivity across the island province.

The President said the improvements would provide travelers with more reliable services while helping curb illegal ticket fixing by streamlining port operations.

He added that the Light Craft Landing Station would also provide fishermen with a safer docking facility, helping protect their livelihood.

The Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station establishes the port’s first dedicated facility for light-craft operations, complementing its expanding infrastructure as maritime traffic continues to grow. (PNA)