The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officially opened on March 27 the country’s largest port passenger terminal building in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

The P353-million terminal has a total floor area of 8,124 square meters and can accommodate 3,500 passengers, which is more than twice the capacity of the old terminal building in Calapan. The inauguration ceremony was held on March 27, with Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go as the guest speaker.

According to PPA Assistant General Manager Elmer Nonnatus Cadano, the Calapan Port terminal is the third Port Operations Building (POB) inaugurated this year. The construction of the PTB began under the “Build, Build, Build” program of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The terminal is designed to bring world-class port administration closer to the people and improve port facilities and services in support of national development. It features a prayer room, breastfeeding area, all-gender restroom, high-tech automated doors, escalators and elevators that are PWD-friendly, and various food stalls for the convenience of passengers.

During the inauguration, Senator Bong Go stressed as guest speaker that government officials are just instruments in making the lives of fellow Filipinos better. He added that improvements in sea transportation and services are necessary for economic growth.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor and Oriental Mindoro 1st District Representative Arnan C. Panaligan also expressed their appreciation for the former President Duterte for initiating the terminal project and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for continuing the vision for the holistic development of Mimaropa.

With the new passenger terminal, it is expected that it can provide comfort and ease for travelers, especially during peak seasons.

Data from the Port Management Office-Mindoro showed that an estimated number of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers use the terminal building of Calapan port on a regular basis and will most likely increase during this Holy Week.