Balingoan Port upgrade to boost Mindanao tourism

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the newly-completed Port Operations Building (POB) under the Balingoan Port Expansion Project in Misamis Oriental will improve the tourism landscape and mobility in Northern Mindanao.

The Port of Balingoan – located 84 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro – serves as a vital transport and economic connector between Northern Mindanao and the islands of Camiguin and Bohol.

For many years, it played a central role in the movement of people and goods, boosting tourism and trade in the region. In 2024, the port recorded over 6,102 ship calls, surpassing pre-pandemic figures, with roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic exceeding 109,000 and passenger traffic reaching more than 671,000.

The newly inaugurated Port Operations Building spans 3,082.50 square meters and features a single-level, high-ceiling design that accommodates up to 500 seated passengers—an impressive 233 percent increase from the old terminal’s 150-passenger capacity. With modern features such as passenger lounge areas, gender-inclusive restrooms, childcare and play areas, food concession spaces, and prayer rooms, the new terminal enhances convenience and comfort for all travelers.

Aside from the POB, the expansion project also includes construction and widening of the back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off 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.

The open storage area has also been improved to accommodate up to 300 car units at any given time, improving cargo handling efficiency and reducing congestion.

The Port Operations Building will also function as a one-stop shop for port-related transactions, ensuring efficient processes and providing a conducive workspace for PPA-Terminal Management Office personnel.

The Port of Balingoan can also transform the tourism landscape in Northern Mindanao, offering travelers greater access to some of Misamis Oriental’s captivating destinations.