Marcos: Upgraded Banago Port sets standard on terminal design

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday said the upgraded Banago Port in Bacolod City would be the standard for port terminal design.

The said port is already equipped with upgraded facilities, which aims to ensure safer and more efficient services for passengers and port workers in the area.

“This is now going to be the standard design for our terminals, for our ports around the country. And the reason it's important to have a standard design so that ang tao, ang pasahero, kahit saan sumasakay, saan bumababa, alam nila kung saan bibili ng ticket, saan maghihintay, saan papasok, saan sila dadaan (so that people, the passengers, will know where they will buy ticket, where they will wait, enter, and pass through),” Marcos said in his message.

During his visit, the President led the unveiling of the marker in front of the Port Operations Building.

The upgraded Banago Port is expected to significantly boost trade, mobility, tourism, and overall economic productivity in the Western Visayas Region.

Improvements in the Banago Port include the modernized Port Operations Building (POB), 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.

The said project also provides additional port space, which will cater to more passengers, from 50 to 500 daily, through the new passenger terminal on the first floor of the POB.

In Tacloban City, Marcos also visited the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) where he inspected the training center’s upgraded equipment and facilities.

Established by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the NMP offers maritime training courses and conducts research and studies on industry issues.

Marcos inspected the modern training equipment that were completed early this December and will be used starting January 2026, including the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator, and Engine Room Simulator Software Upgrade.

Marcos was briefed on the use of the simulators that replicate real-world vessel operations, providing trainees with hands-on experience to develop competencies in navigation, cargo handling, engine room operations, emergency response, and decision-making. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News