The state-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it completed in the first quarter of 2025 the expansion of key ports in Luzon and Visayas at a total project cost of P2.4 billion.
In a PPA statement available on its official website on Sunday, April 27, PPA identified the following completed projects in Luzon: the P853.6-million Capinpin port expansion; the P166-million Romblon port expansion; the P156.9-million improvement and expansion of San Andres port in Catanduanes; the P294.2 million Mauban port upgrade; the P428-million Salomague port expansion in Ilocos; and the P31.3-million Limay port improvement in Bataan.
In the Visayas, the PPA said it completed the P493.3-million construction of a backup area and reinforced concrete pier at the Port of Tagbilaran in Bohol, in February 2025.
Earlier in March, PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the agency had sufficient funds to complete seaport projects and initiate new developments that would boost tourism, trade logistics, and economic growth driven by the continued upward revenue trajectory in recent years.
In 2024, PPA reported an 8.6-percent surge in revenues to P27.64 billion, from the P25.5 billion recorded in 2023. This growth was driven by improved revenue collection, effective income management, and the development of new business opportunities, it said.
Other projects scheduled for completion in 2025 are the Banago Port Improvement Project in Negros Occidental and the cruise ship port developments in Coron of Palawan, Buruangain of Aklan, and Mambajao, Camiguin.
These projects should boost the country’s capacity to meet rising demand from international cruise ships, the PPA said.
Last week, the PPA inaugurated the newly completed P430.4 million Port Operations Building (POB) under the Balingoan port expansion project in Misamis Oriental. The PPA said it serves as a vital transport and economic hub connecting Northern Mindanao to the islands of Camiguin and Bohol.
The newly inaugurated POB is designed to accommodate up to 500 seated passengers, a significant increase from the old terminal’s 150-passenger capacity.
Aside from the POB, the expansion project also includes the construction and widening of the back-up area, an additional roll-on/roll-off ramp, and expanded cargo handling capabilities. The port now has the capacity to berth up to five to six RoRo vessels simultaneously, significantly reducing congestion and long queues of cargo and passenger vehicles waiting to board vessels bound for Camiguin.
The open storage area has also been improved to accommodate up to 300 cars at any given time, improving cargo handling efficiency and reducing congestion.
