THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are fast-tracking maritime infrastructure projects in Matnog and Samar to expand their capacity and improve improve inter-island connectivity for passengers and cargo.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago assessed Matnog Port and the Port of Amandeyahan to evaluate terminal conditions and address the operational bottlenecks.
In Matnog, a primary gateway for the Pan-Philippine Highway, the PPA is accelerating the Sorsogon RoRo Terminal Expansion Project. This initiative prioritizes expanding marshaling areas to increase vehicle holding capacity, a move designed to pull heavy traffic off public roads during peak travel seasons. The project also includes upgraded terminal facilities and improved traffic flow to reduce vessel turnaround time.
The delegation also visited the Port of Amandeyahan in Samar, which is being developed as a vital alternative docking facility. Lopez noted that while the DPWH handles road retrofitting, the DOTr and PPA are focusing on maritime readiness to ensure the uninterrupted flow of commuters and essential goods.
During the recent inspection, the PPA issued a regulatory clarification regarding a proposed bridge project in the region. Port Manager Diane Steffi Guillamon confirmed that the PPA has not issued any clearance or approval for the specific bridge height discussed during a separate DPWH inspection on Feb. 2. Agency records showed that the most recent official communication was a 2025 request for a lighthouse inspection, with no formal request for bridge height authorization submitted to date.
Santiago emphasized that the PPA is acting on a direct mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make travel faster and safer. He explained that current plans are tailored to handle high-volume surges in Matnog, shifting from temporary fixes to long-term infrastructure that supports the national logistics strategy and regional trade.
The inspections concluded with a directive for regional offices to prioritize high-impact projects that align with national connectivity goals. By synchronizing maritime upgrades with land-based infrastructure, the DOTr and PPA aim to lower logistics costs and improve travel safety.
