The Philippine’s biggest seaport Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) managed and operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) was inaugurated in the Port of Cagayan de Oro on 15 July 2019.
The inauguration was led by Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, who earlier on the same day also graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Port of Opol in Opol, Misamis Oriental and the 6-lane Electronic Gate Complex in the CDO Port, the two other newly-completed major projects of the Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro’s (PMO MO/C).
Joining the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary in the unveiling of the marker in the PTB were PPA’s General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, PMO MOC Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac Jr and other fellow Port Managers, among other special guests.
Also gracing the inauguration were Congressman Maximo Rodriguez, MisOr Governor Yevgeny Vicente “Bambi” Emano, and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno.
The two-storey PTB located at the Port’s 18,150.50 sq.m-Passenger Terminal Complex (PTC), is built to replace the Port’s temporary terminal facility consisting of an old transit or warehouse that was utilized as a shelter facility through the years. The newly-built PTB can cater up to 3,000 passengers at any given time. Additionally, it is equipped with facilities for maximum safety, security, comfort and convenience of the passengers, that include: Security Checkpoint 2 with X-Ray scanner for luggage/baggage, body scanner, CCTVs; Security Office; Office for PTC Personnel; Ballistics and Ammunition Office; Passenger Boarding Stations; Collector’s Booth; Public Assistance and “Malasakit” Desk; Offices for passenger-related agencies such as Quarantine, Tourist Police and Coast Guard. It also houses GAD amenities such as Play Area for children; Child Care Station for breastfeeding and diaper changing; Ecumenical Prayer Rooms; Special Boarding Lane for Senior Citizens, PWDS, Pregnant Women and Women travelling with children below 2 years old; drinking fountains; separate toilet facilities for PWDs (Female and Male); a Medical Clinic; and Concessionaires Area for food stalls, coffee shops and “pasalubong centers, among others. It is also powered by high-speed internet wifi connection and has free charging stations.
The construction of this large and modern passenger facility in the Port of Cagayan de Oro is a manifestation of the PPA and DOTr’s thrust of providing utmost care (‘Malasakit”) and dedicated service (serbisyo) to the travelling public, under the umbrella of the current administration’s’ flagship “Build, Build, Build” program. Furthermore, it is aimed at strengthening the Port’s and the region’s position as the Global Gateway to Mindanao, as this is seen to give impact to the tourism industry.
Sec. Tugade conveyed that the 200+ completed infrastructure projects nationwide including the new PTB are proofs of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s compassion to the Filipino people. He referred these projects as “gifts/blessings” to the citizens by the present administration.
More than ever, the PMO MO/C, in its unwavering commitment for the sea travelers’ security, safety, comfort, and convenience, strives to continue providing quality service for the connectivity and mobility of the people and goods, today and in the years to come. -IMR Lam