Two ports are set to be built in the island town of Laoang, a development local officials say will strengthen maritime connectivity and support long-term economic growth.

The municipal government announced that construction of the Mualbual Port and Laoang Port formally began on 13 January 2026, following a meeting between representatives of the Northern Samar Provincial Engineering Office and Laoang Mayor Charlene Ongchuan.

Ongchuan described the port projects as key infrastructure initiatives that will improve coastal access, enhance maritime connectivity, and support local economic activities in the municipality.

During the meeting, site civil engineer Mark Anthony Mamaki presented the project scope, implementation timeline, and coordination mechanisms between the Provincial Engineering Office and the Laoang local government unit.

Officials also discussed construction readiness, community coordination, and the anticipated benefits of the projects to ensure their smooth and timely execution.

The local government envisions Mualbual Port as a strategic maritime access facility capable of accommodating larger seagoing vessels, improving port capacity, facilitating the efficient movement of goods, and strengthening inter-island connectivity.

“The project is expected to support local trade, fisheries, and tourism while contributing to the overall economic development of the Municipality of Laoang,” the LGU said.

Laoang is an island municipality located off the northernmost tip of Samar Island in Northern Samar.