The race for bigger cargo volumes is on—and Port of Cagayan de Oro District Collector Arnaldo “Arnie” Saulong is making sure Northern Mindanao will not be left behind.

In a bold move to transform the Port of Cagayan de Oro into a premier export gateway, Saulong personally met with executives of global shipping giant CMA CGM Philippines and ThyVerse Marine Services and Shipping Agency (TMSSA) to push an aggressive strategy aimed at attracting more export shipments and strengthening the region’s logistics industry.

This was more than a courtesy meeting—it was a decisive business offensive.

Saulong made it clear that the Port of Cagayan de Oro is ready to compete, ready to expand, and ready to become the preferred gateway for exporters seeking faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective shipping services.

At the center of the discussions was a game-changing proposal: divert more export shipments through the Port of Cagayan de Oro. Such a move would slash logistics costs for exporters, maximize the port’s growing capabilities, ease congestion in other major ports, and create stronger economic opportunities across Northern Mindanao.

This is the kind of proactive leadership that delivers results—not waiting for opportunities to arrive but aggressively bringing them to the region.

Saulong’s initiative perfectly reflects the reform agenda of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who has repeatedly challenged Customs officials to build stronger partnerships with the private sector, improve trade facilitation, and transform Philippine ports into engines of economic growth.

Supporting Saulong during the high-level discussions were Deputy Collector for Assessment Atty. Christopher M. Inducil and Chief of Assessment Gani Buat, together with industry leaders Francisco Juanico Jr. of CMA CGM Philippines, Jason Lacbain of TMSSA, and Sonny Sebellino of Oroport.

The message coming from Cagayan de Oro is unmistakable: the Port is open for business, determined to capture more cargo traffic, and committed to delivering world-class customs service.

With District Collector Arnaldo “Arnie” Saulong leading from the front, the Port of Cagayan de Oro is no longer simply processing shipments—it is aggressively positioning itself as one of the country’s next major export hubs, proving that strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and bold action can move not only containers, but the economy itself.

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