en.Wedoany.com Reported - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the first Lightcraft Landing Station (LCLS) at Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Province on July 13, and inspected the newly constructed port operations building. These facilities aim to enhance inter-island logistics efficiency and tourism development.
The upgraded port facilities are expected to provide passengers with more efficient processing, larger waiting areas, amenities, and modern safety features. Dedicated berths for passenger ships, lightcraft, cargo, and vehicle transport are anticipated to reduce vessel turnaround time and improve navigation safety and operational efficiency. The improved infrastructure is expected to facilitate the transport of agricultural products, fishery commodities, consumer goods, construction materials, fuel, and other supplies between Camiguin Province and mainland Mindanao.
Acting Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago, local government officials, and maritime sector stakeholders accompanied the President at the event. The Philippine Ports Authority stated that faster, more reliable logistics help reduce transport delays and costs, maintain product quality, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the competitiveness of farmers, fishers, local producers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Benoni Port serves as Camiguin Province's primary maritime gateway to mainland Mindanao and Bohol, connecting via Balilihan Port and Jagna Port along the Central Nautical Highway. The port has seen significant growth in passenger and vehicle traffic, with passenger volume rising from 455,602 in 2022 to 792,803 in 2025, and vehicle traffic increasing from 76,341 to 129,066 over the same period, reflecting the province's tourism and economic expansion.
To meet growing demand, the Philippine Ports Authority constructed a new modern port operations building, serving as a one-stop hub to streamline frontline services, housing the port management office and partner government agencies to improve operational efficiency and facilitate inter-agency coordination. Complementing the new terminal, the first dedicated lightcraft landing station at Benoni Port includes new berths, a causeway, and a two-story landing station facility. By separating lightcraft activities from the main port, the facility is expected to reduce congestion, improve vessel navigation, enhance navigation safety, and increase the port's capacity to handle passenger and vessel traffic.
Port modernization is also expected to boost tourism in Camiguin Province. Government agencies operating within the port area, including the Philippine Ports Authority, the port management office, and the Philippine Coast Guard, will also benefit from upgraded office facilities, thereby improving coordination, regulatory functions, and public services. The Philippine Ports Authority noted that these projects created jobs during construction and are expected to sustain employment in port operations, transport, logistics, security, maintenance, and support services, while strengthening economic ties between Camiguin Province and mainland Mindanao and the Visayas.
Regular port user Albert Mendez welcomed the improvements, stating that more passengers would be encouraged to visit Camiguin. General Manager Santiago said these projects underscore the Philippine Ports Authority's commitment to delivering long-term economic benefits through infrastructure development, with a mission not only to build ports but to build gateways that connect islands, strengthen industries, expand tourism, and create opportunities for the people.
