Marcos inaugurates Camiguin Port facility for light-craft operations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday led the inauguration of the Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station, the port's first dedicated facility for light-craft operations, in Mahinog, Camiguin.

Marcos said the new Light Craft Landing Station, along with the Port Operations Building, will strengthen Camiguin's connectivity to the Port of Jagna in Bohol and the Port of Balingoan in Misamis Oriental.

"For an island like Camiguin, the importance of a modern and efficient port cannot be overstated," the President said.

"Because this serves as a vital link that keeps people, goods, services, and therefore opportunities moving. It enables families to return home, businesses to transport their products, fishermen to bring their catch to market, and tourists to enjoy this destination," he added.

Marcos also announced that the government plans to develop the Port of Balbagon and the Port of Guinsiliban to further improve connectivity and ensure Camiguin remains accessible.

For his part, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago said the project is expected to boost the local economy and tourism.

"Ang proyektong ito ay higit pa sa bagong gusali o mas malawak na pantalan. Ito ay bagong daan tungo sa masiglang ekonomiya, pagpapalawig ng turismo, at isang mahalagang koneksyon para sa napakarami nating kababayan at mga turista na araw-araw ay gumagamit ng pantalan," Santiago said.

(This project is more than just a new building or a larger port. It is a new gateway to a vibrant economy, expanded tourism, and a vital connection for the many Filipinos and tourists who rely on the port every day.)

At a press briefing in Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said that following the inauguration, Marcos led the distribution of 10 kilograms of rice to nearly 6,000 beneficiaries of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) at the New Camiguin Gymnasium.

Castro also said the President met with 100 presidential scholars from Camiguin's five municipalities, with each scholar receiving P20,000 in financial assistance.

She added that another 190 scholars from the same municipalities are also set to receive assistance.

As of July 11, a total of 1,266 local government units had received funding under the LGSF, while 23,431 barangays had benefited from the government's Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

Castro also said Marcos visited the Camiguin General Hospital in Mambajao, where the government has implemented a zero-balance billing policy.

"Ibig sabihin, walang binabayaran ang mga pasyenteng nasa basic o ward accommodation," Castro said.

(This means patients admitted to basic or ward accommodations do not have to pay for their hospitalization.)— MCG, GMA News