The Philippines’ biggest port Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) opens in Cagayan de Oro
On July 15, 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) inaugurated the country’s biggest port PTB at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, The new terminal is a massive two-story building with a total floor area of 5,597 square meters that has a capacity of 3,000 passengers, which is triple its previous capacity.
“I have inaugurated many terminals during our term, and the truth is, this is the biggest passenger terminal building in the Republic of the Philippines. Ito hong proyektong ito ay magbibigay tibay sa kagustuhan ng ating Pangulo na magkaroon ng mobility and connectivity sa Visayas at Mindanao. With this terminal, you will have a convergence of people for mobility that will lead to economic growth,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the inauguration ceremony.
The PTB features brand-new facilities that will enhance the safety and security of the sea-traveling public. Services include security checkpoints with x-ray scanners for baggage, body scanners, CCTVs, passenger boarding stations, collector’s booth, public assistance desk, designated green areas, storage room, and offices for passenger-related agencies such as quarantine, tourist police, and the Coast Guard.
For the comfort and convenience of the public, amenities include a play area for children, child care station, ecumenical prayer rooms, drinking fountains, toilet facilities, urgent medical care room, food stalls, pasalubong centers, and a special boarding lane for senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, and women traveling with children below two (2) years old.
In line with the 45th founding anniversary of the PPA, General Manager Jay Santiago said that “We are thankful that as the PPA welcomed its 45th founding anniversary, we have this huge PTB to stand as the emblem of our service and dedication. We believe in the role of seaports in developing our regions and boosting local economies. We hope that this new PTB will contribute to the socio-economic growth, not just of CDO, but of the entire Northern Mindanao region.”
Aside from the new PTB, the Port of Cagayan de Oro’s new electronic gate complex and the Opol Port in Misamis Oriental were also inaugurated on July 15.
