TRANSPORT Secretary Banoy Lopez and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago have issued a fast-track order for the completion of the new passenger terminal building (PTB) and a specialized light craft landing at Benoni Port.
This initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate to eliminate bottlenecks in transport hubs to entice global travelers. During a recent inspection, Lopez emphasized that the island’s white sand beaches are world-class assets that deserve world-class access.
“We are accelerating these upgrades so passengers can experience the comfort they deserve,” Lopez stated.
The new PTB is designed as a dual-purpose facility scheduled for completion in June 2026. Once operational, it will serve as a high-capacity shelter for stranded passengers during calamities, while the new landing docks will provide a dedicated terminal for the growing fleet of private yachts. This project aligns with the PPA’s commitment to transforming the Philippine port system into a resilient network that supports inclusive economic development and long-term tourism growth.
While Camiguin builds for the future, Coron is already reaping the rewards of maritime modernization. On Feb. 20, 2026, the MV Norwegian Sun made its third call to Coron Port, disembarking nearly 1,900 international tourists. The visit strengthens the municipality’s status as a premier cruise destination.
Known destinations include Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Balinsasayaw Reef, Beach 91, Twin Peaks Coral Garden, Sunset Cove, and CYC Beach.
The economic impact of these visits is significant, injecting immediate liquidity into the local economy. From souvenir shops at the Town Plaza to boatmen at Kayangan Lake and vendors at Maquinit Hot Spring, the “cruise effect” provides vital income for local stakeholders. These recurring arrivals highlight the critical role of modern port infrastructure in sustaining regional tourism and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Beyond infrastructure, the PPA has emerged as a major revenue engine, reporting a historic P30.09 billion for fiscal year 2025. This 8.86-percent increase from 2024 was driven by a surge in vessel traffic, cargo throughput, and optimized regulatory income. The agency’s total revenue has more than doubled in less than a decade, rising from P14.32 billion in 2016 to over P30 billion today.
Following this record performance, the PPA Board approved its highest-ever dividend remittance of P5.33 billion to the national government. This represents 52 percent of the agency’s net earnings, surpassing the legal requirement under the Dividends Law.
Santiago noted that this strong fiscal position allows the PPA to self-fund ongoing modernization projects aimed at improving global competitiveness and national logistics efficiency.