The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has finished development and improvement works at the Port of Plaridel in Misamis Occidental, boosting maritime connectivity between Northwestern Mindanao and key Visayas destinations such as Siquijor, Bohol, and Cebu.
The project includes a new reinforced concrete wharf equipped with a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ramp, an expanded operational area, and improved mooring and breasting dolphins. These upgrades provide more space for vessel operations, vehicle staging, parking, and cargo handling, making port activities safer and more efficient.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago led the inauguration alongside agency officials and local government leaders. Santiago noted the upgraded port can now handle rising transport volumes while creating jobs in operations, logistics, security, and related services. “With the completion of this project, we are further improving the capacity of the Port of Plaridel to serve the growing maritime transport needs of the region,” he said.
In 2024, the port handled 73,758 metric tons of cargo, 126,191 passengers, and 4,250 vehicles across 166 vessel calls. Passenger traffic rose 11.77 percent and vehicle traffic climbed 7.3 percent that year. By 2034, the facility is projected to handle 128,620 metric tons of cargo, 140,895 passengers, and 7,411 vehicles, with vessel calls expected to reach 184.
Beyond Misamis Occidental, the improved port will serve communities across Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Cotabato City. It will particularly benefit farmers, fisherfolk, traders, and small businesses by making it easier and more affordable to move agricultural goods, fishery products, construction materials, and other supplies to markets across islands.
