Camiguin light craft landing station to improve trade, tourism

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Monday said the newly inaugurated Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station in Camiguin is expected to strengthen trade, tourism and economic activity in the island province.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago led the inauguration of the P86 million maritime infrastructure project.

In a separate Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the new facility is expected to benefit about 1 million passengers by 2030.

The Port of Benoni serves as Camiguin's primary maritime gateway to mainland Mindanao and Bohol through the ports of Balingoan and Jagna along the Central Nautical Highway.

Passenger traffic increased from 455,602 in 2022 to 792,803 in 2025, while vehicle traffic rose from 76,341 to 129,066over the same period, reflecting the province's growing tourism industry and economic activity.

To accommodate increasing demand, the PPA built a modern Port Operations Building that serves as a one-stop facility with larger passenger waiting areas, improved amenities and enhanced safety features. The building also houses the Terminal Management Office and partner government agencies to improve operational efficiency and coordination.

The project also includes the Port of Benoni's first dedicated Light Craft Landing Station, featuring a new berthing facility, trestle and a two-story landing station for light vessel operations.

According to the PPA, separating light craft operations from the main port will improve vessel movement, enhance navigational safety, reduce congestion and increase operational efficiency while providing a safer and more convenient travel experience.

The agency said the expanded facilities will allow the port to handle increasing passenger traffic, vessel movements and tourism-driven growth while delivering more reliable maritime services.

PPA General Manager Santiago said the upgraded port will generate long-term economic benefits by strengthening tourism, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and creating more opportunities for local communities.

He added that transport operators, cargo haulers and passenger vessels will benefit from dedicated berthing facilities that improve vessel turnaround time and navigational safety.

The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to improve the transport of agricultural and fishery products, consumer goods, construction materials, fuel and other essential supplies between Camiguin and mainland Mindanao.

The PPA said improved logistics will reduce transport delays and costs, strengthen supply chains and enhance the competitiveness of farmers, fisherfolk, local producers and micro, small and medium enterprises.

The agency also expects hotels, resorts, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers, dive shops and other tourism-related businesses to benefit from stronger connectivity as Camiguin continues to attract more visitors.

Government agencies operating within the port are also expected to benefit from improved office facilities that enhance coordination, safety and public service delivery.

The project created jobs during construction and is expected to sustain employment in port operations, transportation, logistics, security and maintenance while strengthening Camiguin's economic links with mainland Mindanao and the Visayas.

"Our mission goes beyond constructing ports. We are building gateways that connect islands, strengthen industries, expand tourism, and create opportunities for generations of Filipinos," Santiago said.