President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inaugurated major infrastructure projects in Misamis Oriental, including the country’s first Integrated Coconut Processing Facility, the advanced Rice Processing System II, and the expanded Balingoan Port—marking a broader push to modernize agriculture, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen regional connectivity.
Speaking in Balingasag, the President emphasized Misamis Oriental’s growing role in agricultural development, noting the province’s 4.6% growth in agriculture in 2023—second highest in Northern Mindanao—with output valued at nearly P30 billion.
The new coconut facility can process up to 60,000 coconuts daily into value-added products like activated carbon, coconut boards, flour, sap, and skim milk. It is expected to benefit around 66,000 coconut farmers and create at least 2,500 jobs.
Mr. Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ position as the world’s second-largest coconut producer, pointing out the significance of finally establishing a processing center of this scale.
Mr. Marcos said 20 more rice processing facilities are planned by the end of 2025, with construction of 50 others set to begin as part of a broader effort to improve the rice value chain. He also raised the possibility of providing transport support to help farmers move their goods more efficiently.
The Department of Agriculture also turned over P123 million worth of farm-to-market roads and agricultural machinery to Region 10 farmers, including a P91-million road and bridge project connecting Mapulog and Tuboran.
Later in the day, President Marcos also visited the newly expanded Balingoan Port, a key gateway to Camiguin Island. The port upgrade, completed through the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Ports Authority, features a larger back-up area, a new roll-on/roll-off ramp, and a modern Port Operations Building. It is expected to improve the flow of goods and passengers, bolster local commerce, and enhance tourism in the region.
Mr. Marcos said port modernization projects like this are being replicated nationwide, citing completed expansions in Batangas and ongoing developments in Cebu, Leyte, and Misamis Occidental. He called the projects essential to national progress, serving as vital links that connect people and open economic opportunities.
He ended by urging communities to care for these public investments to ensure their longevity and maximize their impact, reinforcing the administration’s “Build Better More” philosophy of infrastructure development with long-term purpose and compassion.
