Misamis Oriental port seen to support higher food production goals — DA

MANILA, Philippines — The construction of a new port in Misamis Oriental is expected to support the government’s goal of increasing food production, as it is anticipated to enhance the trade capacity of the Mindanao region, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“Lagonglong Port dovetails with the (DA’s) push to boost agricultural production, ensure accessibility to affordable food, and achieve food security for our countrymen,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said during the groundbreaking rites for the project.

Set to be completed in March 2025, the Lagonglong Port promises to increase trade capacity in Mindanao, enhance logistical capability in the region, and create new jobs, according to the DA.

The P4 billion project is a private commercial port development of Amadi MGT Terminals Inc.

The first phase of the project worth P1.4 billion will have an annual throughput capacity of 3.3 million metric tons of bulk cargo.

“The port will also have storage facilities and modern equipment to handle international and domestic cargo, including perishable goods,” the DA said.

Laurel urged the construction of more projects similar to the Lagonglong Port, noting that they are expected to reduce the costs of feeds and fertilizers.

“We should build more ports like this. This is critical to the modernization of our country.This port, once finished, will reduce feed costs by at least 2.5 percent, or as much as five percent. It will reduce (the) cost of fertilizers also by five percent, or as much as 10 percent, depending on the price,” Laurel said.

He said the port project would increase efficiency of transporting vital goods and provide storage facilities that would help maintain the quality of agricultural products and raw materials.

Once completed, the Lagonglong Port should spur the development of factories, processing plants and other value-adding facilities, Laurel said.

“I’ve seen that happen, and I’ve done it... in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and other areas in the Western Pacific where we built ports,” he added.

Laurel requested that Amadi provide the space for cold storage, ice stands, and silos for other agricultural products.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement yesterday, the DA announced the designation of former Bacoor City administrator Jerome Oliveros as undersecretary for special concerns and for Official Development Assistance-foreign aid/grants.

“As undersecretary for special concerns, Oliveros shall oversee the development and implementation of agricultural policies and projects aimed at improving the quality of life of disadvantaged and cultural community groups, children, youth, persons with disability, senior citizens and elderly,” the DA said.