MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday revealed that he met with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and discussed key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the country's tourism sector and encouraging both local and international travelers to explore the Philippines' premier destinations.
The meeting, Lopez said, was held in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive for the transportation department to enhance inter-agency collaboration in improving connectivity and accessibility to major tourist hubs across the archipelago.
Lopez said he provided during the meeting with the DOT chief held earlier this week some updates on the status of various ongoing and upcoming airport and seaport developments, including the Siargao Airport, the Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Island, and the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
The DOTr chief also discussed planned upgrades to passenger terminal buildings (PTBs) and runway extensions at several regional airports, such as those in Busuanga, Tacloban, Aklan, Tuguegarao, Siargao, Bukidnon, and Laoag International Airport.
Extended runways will enable larger aircraft to serve these routes, increasing passenger capacity and potentially making air travel more affordable for tourists, Lopez said.
"Our infrastructure projects are designed not only to move people but also to unlock economic opportunities for local communities and strengthen the tourism industry nationwide,” the top DOTR official said in a statement emailed to The Manila Times.
“This close collaboration with the Department of Tourism is vital to realizing the full potential of our tourism sector," he added.
Also present at the meeting were key officials from the two agencies, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing the government's tourism and economic development agenda.
