PPA strengthens regional connectivity and trade opportunities through improved port infrastructure in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental.
06 NOVEMBER 2026 — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is strengthening maritime connectivity between Northwestern Mindanao and the Visayas with the inauguration of the completed Plaridel Port Development and Improvement Project, located in Misamis Occidental which serves as a strategic maritime gateway connecting Northwestern Mindanao to key destinations in the Visayas, including Siquijor, Bohol, and Cebu which aims to improve port operations, facilitate the movement of passengers and cargoes, and support economic activities in the region.
Completed on October 18, 2026, the project involved the construction of a reinforced concrete (RC) wharf with a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ramp, a port operational area, and mooring and breasting dolphins. These improvements are designed to provide additional space for vessel operations, vehicle marshalling and queuing, parking, and cargo handling, while enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of port activities including movement of vehicles, agricultural products, and other essential commodities.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, together with other PPA officials, Local Government Unit Leaders, attended the inauguration of the completed port development project, underscoring the agency's continued commitment to improving port infrastructure and supporting the growing maritime transport needs of local communities and industries.
"Beyond the direct infrastructure improvements, the development is expected to generate and sustain employment in port operations, transportation, logistics, security, and other related services, contributing to the economic growth of Plaridel and neighboring communities. 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", said GM Santiago.
In 2024, the Port of Plaridel handled 73,758 metric tons of cargo, 126,191 passengers, and 4,250 vehicles. It also recorded 166 vessel calls, consisting of 159 RoRo vessels and seven non-RoRo vessels. Passenger traffic grew by 11.77 percent, while vehicle traffic increased by 7.30 percent. Based on historical traffic trends and projected economic and population growth, the port is expected to handle 128,620 metric tons of cargo, 140,895 passengers, and 7,411 vehicles by 2034, alongside an estimated 184 vessel calls.
The improved port facilities are expected to benefit passengers not only from Misamis Occidental but also from neighboring provinces, including Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, South Cotabato, and North Cotabato, as well as Cotabato City. By providing improved berthing and passenger-handling facilities, the project supports more convenient and efficient maritime travel for communities across these areas, particularly those using the port to access key destinations in the Visayas.
The project is also expected to benefit local farmers, fisherfolk, traders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by improving access to inter-island markets and facilitating the transport of agricultural produce, fishery products, construction materials, and other commodities. Better port facilities likewise support tourism-related businesses and strengthen opportunities for trade and investment in the area. Through continued investments in port infrastructure, the PPA remains committed to developing efficient, safe, and reliable maritime gateways that strengthen regional connectivity, support local industries, and contribute to the country's economic development.
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