THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it is expecting to complete at least four port projects valued at a combined P1.56 billion within this year.
In a statement on Monday, the port regulator said it has enough funds to complete its ongoing seaport projects and accommodate new project development that will help boost tourism, trade logistics, and economic growth.
For this year, PPA said it is set to finish the P426.18-million Salomague port expansion project in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur which was awarded to Goldridge Construction and Development Corp. in December 2023.
PPA is also expecting the completion of the P155.96-million San Andres port expansion and improvement project which was awarded to Bemkar Construction and Supply.
Also among the four projects projected to be completed in 2025 are the upgrade of Banago Port in Negros Occidental, and the expansion of Balingoan Port in Cagayan de Oro.
The P568.77-million Banago port project was awarded to the joint venture of Mamsar Construction and Industrial Corp. and Silver Dragon Construction and Lumber and Glass Supply, Inc.; while the P411.8-million Balingoan port expansion was awarded in 2021 to Premium Megastructures, Inc.
Further, PPA said there are also cruise ship port projects in the pipeline for Coron, Palawan; Buruanga, Aklan; and Mambajao, Camiguin to accommodate the growing demand for international cruise ships. For 2025, the PPA set its passenger target at P85.41 million, higher by 9.5% than its target in 2024.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said previously that the port regulator is expecting more sea travel this year as the government continues to promote domestic travel and improve passenger facilities at regional ports.
Meanwhile, PPA said on Monday that it generated a total revenue of P27.64 billion in 2024, 8.61% higher than the P25.45 billion logged in 2023.
PPA attributed this revenue growth to “strategic income management” and enhanced revenue collection.
In 2024, PPA increased cargo handling fees by 16% at the Manila port. The first tranche will involve a 10% increase in cargo handling fees. The second tranche, which will involve a 6% increase, will be implemented six months after the first tranche takes effect. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
