BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended farmers for providing food to Filipinos and encouraged the use of technology in their farming activities in his visit here on Tuesday.

The President likewise emphasized Public Private Partnership (PPP) support to government undertakings, saying, “partner natin ang private sector. May transfer of technology, such as new machines and processes, nang dahil sa PPP,” he told government officials, guests, farmers and workers, at the launching and turnover of the integrated coconut processing facility, as well as awarding of scale-up Rural Development Project (RDP) to beneficiaries.

Marcos also expressed support to the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Rice Processing System II and Integrated Coconut Processing Facility, where he led the soft opening of its coconut processing facilities, a PPP with the Misamis Oriental LGU under Gov. Peter Unabia, informing farmers to expect more construction of rice processing system all over the country.

FICCO is set to implement the Rice Processing System II project after the inauguration, which aims to enhance farmers’ productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. The P350-million Integrated Coconut Processing Facility is also being launched, aiming to increase farmgate prices from P8-9 per nut to P16-18/nut, solving unemployment through rural industrialization, sustainable and enterprise project and promotes processing of coconut products beyond traditional copra, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction of the province by 2028.

Before proceeding to the Municipality of Balingasag, Marcos led the official inauguration of the Port Operations Building under the Balingoan Port Expansion Project, in Barangay Bauk-bauk, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.

Joining him in the ceremony there were key officials from the Department of Transportation, representatives from the national and local government agencies and offices, and port stakeholders.

The Philippine Ports Authority announced that the newly inaugurated building features modern amenities, including passenger lounge areas, child-care and play areas, food concession spaces, prayer rooms, as well as gender-inclusive restrooms to enhance the comfort and convenience of all travelers.

Also, part of the P430.39-million Balingoan Port Expansion Project is the construction and widening of the back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off ramp, and expanded cargo handling capabilities. With this, Balingoan Port can now simultaneously berth up five to six RoRo vessels, which will aid in reducing long queues of cargo and passenger vehicles waiting to board vessels bound for Camiguin island.