President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the P568 million Banago Port Improvement Project in Bacolod City and unveiled the marker of its new operations building designed to further boost trade, mobility and tourism in the Visayas on Friday, Dec. 12.
“This is now going to be the standard design for our terminals, for our ports around the country, “ he said.
Improvements made in the Banago Port include the modernized Port Operations Building, a widened causeway ensuring smoother road access, an expanded port operational area for cargo handling and port-related activities, and a covered walkway, protecting passengers from inclement weather.
Marcos said the old Banago port terminal could accommodate 50 passengers and the new one can take in 500.
“So it’s a big deal and you’ve seen it, it’s really different when it’s organized and comfortable to make the traveling experience for our countrymen a little more pleasant,” Marcos said.
The president also emphasized Banago Port’s growing role as a hub of connectivity and progress in the Visayas.
The president was joined by Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiagoin in unveiling the ceremonial marker for the new Port Operations Building.
Also present was Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Mayor Greg Gastaya.
This will address the increasing demand for safe, efficient and future-ready port operations in Bacolod City, a PPA statement said.
“The inauguration of the Banago Port Operations Building is more than an infrastructure milestone — it is a commitment to world-class service, improved efficiency, and sustainable growth for the people of Negros and the wider Visayas region,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said.
Together with the ongoing San Carlos Port Improvement Project, Banago’s modernization positions Negros Occidental as a cornerstone of maritime trade, mobility, and tourism in the central Philippines, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to building globally competitive port infrastructure, he said.
The port plays a vital role in passenger travel, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic, and the transport of key commodities such as sugar, rice, and corn, the critical drivers of the local and regional economy, he added.
Since the economy’s reopening after the pandemic, port activity has surged, with passenger movement surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and 2024, and RoRo traffic rising from over 66,000 vessel calls in 2019 to more than 125,000 in 2024, the PPA reported.
“Modern facilities for safer, more efficient services The newly inaugurated POB addresses the increasing demand for safe, efficient, and future-ready port operations in Bacolod,” it added.
Previously, the port’s operations office also served as a passenger terminal, limiting workspace for PPA personnel and complicating adherence to health and safety standards.
The new facility now provides modern, dedicated operations center, enabling the existing terminal to serve passengers exclusively.
Additional improvements include the widening of the causeway for smoother road access, enhanced vehicular flow, and a covered walkway to shield passengers from inclement weather.
The modernization of Banago Port is expected to spur wider economic activity across Negros Occidental. The upgraded infrastructure is poised to create ripple effects in shipping, transport, retail, tourism, and allied industries, strengthening the province’s role as a dynamic economic hub, the PPA said.
The new facility features a modern, dedicated operations center, allowing the existing terminal to serve passengers exclusively.
Additional improvements include widening the causeway to improve road access, enhancing vehicular flow, and installing a covered walkway to protect passengers from inclement weather.
The modernization of Banago Port is set to generate ripple effects in shipping, transportation, retail, tourism and related sectors, reinforcing the province’s position as a vibrant economic center, the PPA said.*