Camiguin: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Monday the government's commitment to upgrading port infrastructure in Camiguin, aiming to support the province's booming 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 highlighted the importance of modern transport facilities for sustaining tourism-driven growth and enhancing the daily lives of residents.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that the beauty of Camiguin is drawing increasing numbers of local and foreign tourists, turning the province into a gem on the Philippine map. However, he noted that the rise in visitor arrivals has revealed capacity constraints at the Port of Benoni, one of Camiguin's gateways, particularly during peak seasons when travelers struggle to secure boat tickets and fall prey to unauthorized ticket processors.
Marcos has instructed the Department of Transportation to address bottlenecks in transport hubs and modernize airports and seaports nationwide. He stressed the necessity of aligning infrastructure development with the demands of the expanding tourism industry. The new Port Operations Building and Light Craft Landing Station are expected to enhance Benoni Port's role as Camiguin's primary marine gateway, improving vessel movement, easing congestion, and accommodating increasing passenger and cargo traffic.
Projections indicate that annual passenger traffic at Benoni Port could reach approximately 950,000 by 2030, with vehicle traffic expected to surpass 155,000. The administration is also working on developing the ports of Balbagon and Guinsiliban to boost connectivity across the island province, ensuring reliable services for travelers and reducing illegal ticket fixing through streamlined port operations.
Marcos pointed out the additional benefits of the Light Craft Landing Station, which will provide fishermen with a safer docking facility, thus protecting their livelihood. The new facility marks Benoni Port's first dedicated light-craft operations center, complementing its expanding infrastructure amid growing maritime traffic.
Camiguin Lone District Representative Jurdin Jesus Romualdo expressed optimism that local farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises will benefit from these projects. The improvements are expected to result in faster, more reliable, and more affordable transport of agricultural products, consumer goods, and essential supplies between Camiguin and mainland Mindanao. Philippine Ports Authority data revealed a significant increase in passenger and vehicle traffic from 2022 to 2025, underscoring the need for these enhancements.
