THE GOVERNMENT on Monday opened facilities at the Port of Benoni in Camiguin province, seeking to ease transport bottlenecks and curb illegal ticket "fixers" as visitor arrivals continue to climb and passenger traffic is projected to approach one million annually by 2030.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the inauguration of the P171.3-million Port Operations Building and the P86.9-million Light Craft Landing Station, saying the island's transport infrastructure must keep pace with its growing tourism industry.
" He said he has ordered the Department of Transportation to eliminate similar bottlenecks at transport hubs nationwide.
"While this has brought great opportunities for the island's tourism and for your economic growth, it has also placed increasing strain on the Port of Benoni," Mr. Marcos said during the livestreamed ceremony.
"Because of the sheer volume, it is clear your old facilities are no longer enough," he added in Filipino.
Mr. Marcos said congestion at the port has allowed unauthorized ticket processors to exploit travelers during peak seasons.
"During peak season, there is a problem finding a boat ticket," he said. "Travelers become victims of unauthorized ticket processors or fixers who take advantage of tourists and locals who wish to travel safely and comfortably."
He said he has ordered the Department of Transportation to eliminate similar bottlenecks at transport hubs nationwide.
The upgraded port serves as Camiguin's main gateway to the ports of Jagna in Bohol and Balingoan in Misamis Oriental.
Passenger traffic through the port is projected to reach about 950,000 annually by 2030, while vehicle traffic is expected to rise to 155,491 units.
"We are investing now so that our infrastructure is ready for demand from the increasing number of travelers," Mr. Marcos said.
He said the Benoni project forms part of a broader maritime development program that also includes upgrades at the ports of Balbagon and Guinsiliban to boost connectivity across the island province.
Malacañang said the projects would improve inter-island links between Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas while supporting the movement of passengers, cargo, fuel and other essential goods. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking.