The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are stepping up efforts to improve transportation links to key destinations across the Philippines, with the goal of making travel easier for both domestic and international tourists.
DOTr Secretary GiovanniLopez met with DOT Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay to discuss infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to the country’s tourist destinations and supporting local economic activity.
The meeting followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DOTr to strengthen coordination with other government agencies to improve connectivity and accessibility nationwide.
Among the projects discussed were ongoing and planned developments at airports and seaports serving popular tourist areas. These include the Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Island, and the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Lopez also provided updates on improvements planned for passenger terminal buildings and runway extensions at several regional airports, including Busuanga, Tacloban, Aklan, Tuguegarao, Siargao, Bukidnon and Laoag International Airport.
The proposed runway expansions are expected to allow airports to handle larger aircraft. This could increase passenger capacity and, in turn, help improve competition and potentially make air travel to tourism destinations more affordable.
“Our infrastructure projects are designed not just to move people, but to open up opportunities for local communities and strengthen our tourism industry nationwide,” Lopez said, emphasizing the importance of closer coordination between the two agencies.
The DOTr and DOT said their continued collaboration is intended to maximize the tourism potential of destinations across the country while ensuring that transportation infrastructure keeps pace with growing visitor demand.
Officials from both departments attended the meeting, where they discussed transportation initiatives that could help make the Philippines’ tourism destinations more accessible and contribute to broader economic growth.