A trip to Camiguin may soon begin with a better first impression. The newly upgraded Benoni Port is set to make island hopping less about waiting in line and more about getting straight to the White Island sandbar, volcanic springs, waterfalls, and laid-back charm that have made the island one of the country’s favorite hidden escapes.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday inaugurated the P86.9-million Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station and inspected the P171.3-million Benoni Port Operations Building, saying the projects will strengthen connectivity while supporting tourism, trade, and local livelihoods.
“Today’s inspection of the new Port Operations Building and inauguration of the Light Craft Landing Station in Benoni Port reflect this commitment,” Marcos said, noting that the upgraded port reinforces Camiguin’s vital sea links to Jagna, Bohol and Balingoan, Misamis Oriental.
The improvements are designed to make every crossing safer and faster. By giving light craft their own dedicated terminal, berthing area, and trestle, the port eases congestion at the main harbor, improves vessel movement, and shortens turnaround times, welcome news for travelers eager to maximize their island getaway.
The government expects Benoni Port to serve nearly 955,327 passengers and more than 155,491 vehicles annually by 2030, underscoring the island’s growing appeal as both a tourism destination and an inter-island transport hub.
Beyond tourism, the upgraded port is expected to strengthen the local economy by ensuring smoother movement of fuel, rolling cargo, and essential supplies. It also provides a safer docking area for fishing boats during rough weather, helping protect coastal livelihoods.
The Benoni project forms part of a broader effort to modernize Camiguin’s transport network. Upgrades at the ports of Balbagon and Guinsiliban are also underway, signaling that the island’s biggest attraction may no longer be just its volcanoes and beaches, but how much easier it is becoming to reach them.
